The Impact of Continuous and Ongoing Professional Development on the Nursing Process of Taking Care of Neurological Patients

Abstract

Introduction. Nurses distinguish continuous professional development intended for career improvement and personal development from continuous professional development intended for improvement of skills and knowledge. Too many requests are put in front of an individual unacceptably stretching it onto the life outside work. Nurses and students have various expectations from their education.
Aim. The aim of the study was to recognize the motivation and expectations of nurses undertaking further nursing education.
Material and Methods. A three-phase study was conducted in 2007, 2009 and 2010 and included 622 nurses, 132 head nurses and 106 nursing undergraduate students at the University of Applied Health Studies in Zagreb, respectively. Anonymous questionnaire was used in the study.
Results. Factors that motivate nurses to study are to improve knowledge, patient care and professional relations. Factors connected to personal development include boost of confidence and embracing of other values. Motivation for additional education is also connected to the change of work, practice improvement, self-confidence improvement, nursing career plans, and necessary intellectual stimulation. The reasons for which nurses decide to undertake further education are also desire for maintenance of clinical competence, but also enjoyment in studying itself.
Conclusions. A permanently educated nurse will be able to assess the needs of patients of health care on time and consequently organize the provision of health care by using all human and technical resources. (JNNN 2014;3(1):10–14)