AN EXAMINATION OF VARIOUS ASPECTS OF CONTINUING EDUCATION WITH AN EMPHASIS UPON THE MOTIVATIONAL ORIENTATIONS OF REGISTERED NURSES IN ONTARIO.
Contributors: University Of Toronto (Canada)
Published: 1995
Number of pages: 364
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Health Sciences, Education.; Education, Adult and Continuing.
Description: This survey research described the participation of Ontario registered nurses in formal, organized continuing education and reading of professional journals. An analysis was done on the types of educational programs they report, the topics and activities that are of greatest interest, the kinds of providers they choose, and the reasons why they participate (or do not) in continuing education. The respondents' attitudes toward the RNAO and the issue of mandatory continuing education for re-licensure were also examined.

The results of this survey indicate a participation rate of 94.48; about 77% of the respondents participate in both formal CE and read professional journals. The findings on organized CE show a participation rate of about 87% with over half of the respondents reporting more than one 'type' of activity. The most common provider was the employer; respondents most frequently participated in CE during the workday. A statistically significant relationship was shown between age, employment status, whether respondents have children, highest level of education, place of employment, and CE participation. Older nurses, the unemployed, and, respondents with children did not participate as frequently as their younger, employed, or childless colleagues. Nurses with education beyond the diploma level participated more frequently than respondents with only a diploma. Also, nurses working in single-nurse situations were less likely to participate in formal CE than nurses in other employment areas. A statistically significant relationship was also noted between degree of participation (15 hours and more of CE per year) and area of practice in a hospital. Critical care nurses participated more frequently than their colleagues in other areas.

The majority of the respondents (85%) regularly read journals. Not surprisingly, the motivations for both formal CE participation and reading journals were strongly associated with the desire to increase knowledge and maintain currency. The major inhibitors of the former were related to job and home responsibilities, the latter to lack of time.

About 37% of the respondents are members of the RNAO with the high annual fee given as the reason for non membership. About 41% of the respondents supported the concept of mandatory continuing education for re-licensure.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 57-04, Section: B, page: 2483.

Thesis (ED.D.)--UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO (CANADA), 1995.

School code: 0779.