Continuing education electronic bulletin board system: provider readiness and interest

This study explored the feasibility of establishing a computer-based, statewide electronic bulletin system (BBS) for continuing education for nurses in Florida. An anonymous survey addressing the feasibility of instituting such a BBS was mailed to a random stratified sample of 225 continuing education providers approved by the Florida Board of Nursing. The survey explored information services used and desired by providers, availability of resources to use a BBS, fees providers would be willing to pay, and the degree of interest in participating in a BBS. The findings of this preliminary study suggest that although support for a BBS featuring continuing education for nurses may be emerging in Florida, two major impediments to the establishment of such a system currently exist: start up and maintenance costs, and the nursing profession's lack of preparedness.