Support and access for nursing continuing education in Canadian work environments

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Workforce Dynamics
• Professional Development

Background:

• Nurse mobility is a critical factor in healthcare system stability.
• Understanding factors influencing nurses' relocation decisions is essential for workforce planning.
• Educational opportunities significantly shape professional career paths and mobility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of educational opportunities on the decisions of nurses to move within Canada.
• To identify specific educational barriers and facilitators influencing nurse mobility.
• To explore the relationship between continuing education and interprovincial nurse migration.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative thematic analysis of data from 35 registered nurses and 35 licensed practical nurses.
• Exploration of Canadian nurses' perceptions regarding educational opportunities and their influence on relocation.
• In-depth examination of factors related to support for and access to continuing education.

Main Results:

• Canadian nurses highly value continuing education for professional growth.
• Significant barriers exist in accessing and receiving support for continuing education, including financial and scheduling issues.
• Lack of access to accredited continuing education programs was a frequently reported concern.
• These educational challenges influence nurses' decisions regarding internal migration for career advancement.

Conclusions:

• Addressing barriers to continuing education is crucial for supporting Canadian nurses' professional development.
• Improving access to and support for education can positively impact nurse retention and mobility within Canada.
• Policy interventions focusing on educational support are needed to optimize the nursing workforce distribution.