The Continuing Training of Nurses and their Impact on their Organizational Commitment

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect exerted by nurses' participation in lifelong nursing education programs on their levels of organizational commitment.   Theoretical Framework: Discusses the importance of lifelong learning in the nursing profession, highlighting how continuous development of knowledge and skills is essential due to rapid advances in medicine and healthcare. It stresses that continuing education is a critical part of lifelong learning, necessary for the improvement of patient care and adaptation to socio-economic, technological and demographic changes.   Method: This is primary quantitative research.  The sample consists of 121 Greek nurses, employed in Attica. The response rate was 48%. The research instrument was a structured questionnaire sent via e-mails. SPSS version 23 was used for statistical analysis. In descriptive statistics, means and standard deviations were presented, and in inductive statistics, Pearson's correlation test and regression analysis were performed.   Results and Discussion: The results showed a positive and statistically significant correlation between four of the five categories of nurses' participation motivations: "Professional Service", "Collegial Learning and Interaction", "Personal Benefits and Job Security" and "Personal Commitment and Reflection". Well-targeted programmes can strengthen organisational loyalty, suggesting that continuing education is fundamental to personal and professional development, as well as benefiting the quality of patient care and job satisfaction.   Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of nursing and continuing education programmes. These implications could encompass the professional performance and post-graduate training and work attitudes of staff working in the public health sector.   Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by exploring how nurses' continuing education impacts their organisational commitment in Greece. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced because it shows how continuing nursing education improves the quality of patient care and the overall functioning of health care organisations.