The nurses' perceptions of the obligatory continuing professional development program in a large tertiary hospital

Abstract

Abstract Background A crucial strategy for preserving skills and job motivation is continuing professional development. This research aims to evaluate how nurses at NNUH perceived the hospital's mandatory continuing professional development (CPD) program. Method The study was carried out in a tertiary hospital in Nablus, Palestine. A cross-sectional quantitative descriptive study was conducted from July to September 202 for 202 full-time and in-duty nurses at NNUH using the Chikaodili Ihudiebube-splendor questionnaire. Results The Web survey of 202 nurses shows that the nurse’s perception of mandatory continuing education for professional development is statistically significant with age, sex and marital status. The highest mean score was 3.29 for "Continuing education should be made mandatory for nurses," and 2.39 for that mandatory CPD programs are useful for nurses. However, the overall perceived relevance of these items was not positive (2.39 ± 0.77). The mean score for all items related to the reason for participation was greater than 2.5 and the participants had a significant positive score (3.19 ± 0.49). The remaining perceived obstacles to requiring ongoing education for professional growth were greater than 2.5, and the total perceived obstacle was positive (2.80 ± 0.66). Only one item, "Lack of employer's cooperation," fell below the cut-off point of 2.25. Conclusions Nurses mostly perceive that continuing education should be made mandatory for nurses, and the things I learn in mandatory continuing education programs will be useful to me. There are many reasons for participating in required education programs, and finally, nurses face many barriers to required continuing education for professional development at NNUH. Implications Special attention and targeted support should be provided to promote the continuing professional development of nursing staff. Nurses maintained a positive attitude towards continued professional development, but faced challenges.