title: Support and access for nursing continuing education in Canadian work environments.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore how educational opportunities may affect nurses' decision to move within Canada. Thematic analysis of qualitative data obtained from 35 registered nurses and 35 licensed practical nurses highlighted educational opportunities available in Canada and how these influence nurses' decision to move across the country for work. The results indicate that Canadian nurses value continued learning but face several barriers while trying to further their education. Two main themes emerged: support for and access to continuing education. Canadian nurses perceive a lack of support, both financially and in the form of scheduling, for engaging in continuing education. Additionally, the lack of access to accredited continuing education programs was reported. The findings and implications of this study are examined within the context of nurse mobility.
authors.affiliation: Michelle Lalonde, RN, MN, Lecturer, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lalonde
authors.affiliation: Linda McGillis Hall, RN, PhD, Kathleen Russell Distinguished Professor, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.
authors.forename: Linda McGillis
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.affiliation: Sheri Price, RN, PhD, Assistant Professor, Dalhousie University, School of Nursing, Halifax, NS.
authors.forename: Sheri
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Price
authors.affiliation: Gavin Andrews, PhD, Professor, Department of Health, Aging & Society, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON.
authors.forename: Gavin
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Andrews
authors.affiliation: Alexandra Harris, RN, MN, MBA, Graduate Student, Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.affiliation: Sandra MacDonald-Rencz, RN, MEd, Nursing Executive Advisor, Strategic Policy Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON.
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: MacDonald-Rencz
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002170:Canada; D002322:Career Mobility; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003625:Data Collection; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D065102:Licensed Practical Nurses / Q000193:education*; D009726:Nurses; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D014146:Training Support