Factors Influencing Staff Nurses Participation in Continuing Professional Development Programs

Abstract

Education and training are key investment tools as skills become obsolete with the advent of new technologies. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is an approach that facilitates professionals to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and ethical attitudes so as to remain current and competent. Nursing continuing education refers to learning activities designed to augment the knowledge, skills and attitudes of nurses, and thereby enrich nurses’ contributions to quality health care. However, several factors may affect nurses’ participation in CPD. It was deemed essential to know the facilitators and barriers of participation in CPD programs and to plan accordingly. The study aim was to assess the factors influencing staff nurses participation in continuing professional development programs. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in carrying out the study at Helwan Hospital, affiliated to the Ministry of Health in Helwan, Cairo, Egypt. Study subjects consisted of a convenience sample of 162 full-time staff nurses working in the setting and responsible for providing direct nursing care activities to patients. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire including a scale assessing staff nurse’s perception toward the factors that may influence Continuing Professional Development (CPD). It covered job factors, motivators, hindering factors or barriers, and related perceptions and attitudes. Tool validity and reliability were verified, and a pilot study was conducted on 16 staff nurses who were included in the main study sample as no modifications were needed. The fieldwork lasted from mid-June to mid-September 2019.