Program characteristics influencing nurse selection of CE offerings

The purpose of this study was to identify program characteristics that influence decision-making in the selection of continuing education (CE) offerings by registered nurses licensed in a state with mandatory CE. A sample of 238 nurses were asked to identify the level of importance for 35 CE program characteristics on a Likert-like scale. The data indicated that all characteristics were of some importance to participants, with high levels of importance given to items demonstrating professional values. The findings suggest that even though CE may be mandatory, nurses still select educational offerings on the basis of quality and contribution to their professional practice.