The perception of staff nurses working in Ibri Regional Hospital in Oman about the CPDs' activities

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the Study1

Significance of the study2

Purpose of the Study2

Research question3

Aim and objectives of the Study3

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY4

Research Philosphy4

Data Collection5

Questionnaires6

Sampling7

Data analysis8

Validity and Reliability8

Research Ethics9

Confidentiality10

Informed Consent10

Access11

Ethical Issues of Investigation11

Possible Constraints of the Dissertation11

Time Frame12

REFERENCES14

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

A patient expectation lies in the provision of high quality services which leads health providers to improve their health care services to meet the expectations of the patients. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is considered as the systematic improvement and maintenance for improving the skills and knowledge for the development of personal qualities which are necessary for the execution of professional and technical duties throughout the life of an individual (Griffitts, 2002, p. 23). During the process of continuous professional development individuals take control of their learning and development by undergoing the process of action and reflection. CPD is required not only for fulfilling the individual needs but professional and society as a whole. More nurses need to be encouraged and assisted to return to school. Not only would this meet the needs of society for quality healthcare but these nurses could potentially increase the pool of clinically competent nurse educators. In order to encourage ADNs and Diploma Nurses to return to school, there is a need to understand their attitudes toward BSN education and returning to school to obtain the BSN, as well as whether these attitudes change over time (according to years of practice). This information might lead to research on ways of fostering positive attitudes toward continuing education and lifelong learning among nurses, and when best to market and motivate ADNs and Diploma Nurses to return to school for the BSN or higher degree. It might also be useful in identifying what changes could be made to prepare a workforce ready to meet the challenges and changes occurring in healthcare today, and in the future.

Significance of the study

CPD is considered as a subset for lifelong learning for gaining recognition in professional and personal application. It plays an important role in meeting heath services and delivery needs as well as learning needs of health care professionals. Many nurses encounter difficulties in gaining access to CPD may be restricted to traditional methods such as education programmes. CPD has a remarkable improvement in the nursing practices. Research has demonstrated that a more educated workforce improves healthcare quality and patient outcomes and suggests a need for more educated nurses providing direct patient care. It has also been shown that higher educated nurses have less disciplinary action and medication or treatment errors. At the same time, there is a need for appropriately educated nursing faculty to meet the challenges of the current nursing shortage. Since CPD programs will continue to exist, it would be beneficial for registered nurses (RNs) educated to return to school for continuing formal education.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of the study is to determine the CPD activities which help them to improive the care ...