Factors Influencing Staff Nurses Participation in Continuing Professional Development Programs

Abstract

Background:The nursing career is a vital profession that requires health professionals to continuously acquire knowledge and skills. Continuing professional development (CPD) is an essential component of nursing, not least for the provision of safe and effective healthcare. Aim of the study: This study aimed to Asses factors influencing staff nurses participation in continuing professional development programs. Research question: What are the factors influencing staff nurses participation in continuing professional development programs? Design: a descriptive study design was utilized. Subjects: the study was conducted on 162 subjects of staff nurses. Setting: the study was carried out at Helwan Hospitals, affiliated to ministery of health. Tools: One tool was used to collect data: Nursing personnel perception toward factors influencing continuing professional development self-administered questionnaire. Results: Study revealed that: Staff nurses have a high level of agreement upon factors influencing their participation in CPD activities. The highest agreement was upon job factors while the lowest was perception and attitude. There were statistical significant relations between motivators and staff nurses' demographic characteristics regarding age, qualification level and experience years. There were statistical significant relations between barriers and staff nurses' demographic characteristics regarding age, qualification level and experience years. Conclusion: There were interdependent relationships between score of staff nurses agreement upon various factors that influence their participation in CPD activities. Recommendations: Healthcare organizations need to encourage professional development as a requirement for job promotion. Design and implement in-service educational programs to enhance staff nurses' professional development. Further research can be conducted to identify strategies that helping nursing staff to overcome barriers that hinder participation in CPD activities.