Responses from 199 rural Pennsylvania nurses showed that 86% had participated in recent continuing education. Deterrents included lack of support from supervisors/spouses, inflexible schedules, money, time, and travel. Administrators believed nurses were supported for professional development. Little money was available for continuing education.…

A 5-year evaluation revealed positive outcomes of two nursing continuing education programs: a sabbatical program providing funding for completion of education/research projects and a nursing scholar program funding professional development. Knowledge and skills increased and the hospital practice environment was improved. (SK)

Six focus groups with 21 nurses in military hospitals identified five professional development themes: (1) critical topics; (2) appropriate continuing education methods; (3) evaluation of effectiveness and efficiency of continuing education; (4) barriers to professional development; and (5) staff retention issues. Recommendations for mentoring,…

This study was conducted to measure the variations and intensities of attendance motivations of registered nurses in continuing education programs with a nursing focus. Data analysis revealed that there were multiple attendance motivation factors and that most participants ranked more than one factor as being of highest importance to them.…