Critical care nurses' opinions regarding continuous professional development

Abstract

Continuous professional development (CPD) is used to support the development and progression of professions. As nursing regulated by the South African Nursing Council (SANC), has no CPD system, the study’s aim was to describe critical care nurses opinions regarding CPD, their current participation in CPD programs and what they perceive as their potential barriers to CPD. It is envisaged that this study will provide information to consider in developing a CPD framework to support critical care nurses with life long learning. The research design was quantitative using a non experimental, descriptive survey approach, comprised of two phases using Lynne’s model (1986). Data results showed similarity with international literature: significant needs for knowledge and skills related to new technology, attitudinal improvement and professional networking with critical care nurses internally driven to participate in CPD programs and significant barriers to being lack of knowledge in how to access CPD events communication and a lack of communication.