The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing
Vol. 38 No. 2 March/April 2007
By Kelly Penz, MN, RN; Carl D’Arcy, PhD; Norma Stewart, PhD; Julie Kosteniuk, MA; Debra Morgan, PhD; Barbara Smith, MCEd
BACKGROUND
This article examines the barriers to participation in continuing education activities that are perceived by rural and remote registered nurses in Canada.
METHODS
The data are drawn from a national survey that was part of a larger national project, “The Nature of Nursing Practice in Rural and Remote Canada.”
RESULTS
Perceived barriers to participation in continuing education activities include the isolation of rural nurses and time and financial constraints. Nurses who perceived barriers to participation were more likely to be middle-aged, unmarried, and working full-time than nurses who did not perceive barriers. They were also more likely to possess higher levels of nursing education and have children or dependents. The perception of barriers to participation was also associated with lower job and scheduling satisfaction.
CONCLUSIONS
Rural and remote registered nurses have moderately high levels of participation in continuing education; however, participation and job satisfaction can be improved if some of the barriers identified are addressed.
AUTHORS
Ms. Penz is a PhD student, College of Nursing, Dr. D’Arcy is Professor and Director, Applied Research, Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Stewart is Professor and Associate Dean, Graduate Studies, College of Nursing, Ms. Kosteniuk is a PhD student, Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Morgan is Associate Professor, Institute of Agricultural Rural and Environmental Health, and Ms. Smith is Graduate Faculty Member, College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Kelly L. Penz, MN, RN, College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada.
