Related Experiment Videos
Continuing education in Sweden--to what purpose?
1Institute of Health Care Pedagogics, Göteborg University, Sweden.
Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing
|March 1, 2002
Summary
Continuing education (CE) enhances nurses
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Professional Development
- Adult Learning in Health Sciences
Background:
- Continuing education (CE) is a key strategy in Sweden for maintaining and advancing health care professional competence.
- The study examines the impact of CE on various aspects of professional practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of continuing education on health care professionals' work activities.
- To assess changes in cognitive abilities, knowledge application, and research involvement following CE.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was administered to 966 students enrolled in CE courses.
- Data was collected from the Department of Advanced Nursing Education at Göteborg University, Sweden.
Main Results:
- Continuing education positively impacts work satisfaction, competence, professional goal attainment, and self-confidence.
- CE did not correlate with increased salaries, authority, or improved influence over work situations.
Conclusions:
- CE significantly enhances individual knowledge and competence but does not consistently translate to improved work conditions or rewards.
- A critical question remains regarding nurses' willingness to pursue further competence without commensurate compensation or recognition.