Northeastern Ontario nurses' perceptions of e-learning: An interpretive description

E-learning is a common method of continuing education for nurses that supports professional competencies and learning needs. However, variations in setting, information technology, and quality of the e-learning may impact these experiences.

To explore registered nurses' perceptions of e-learning in a hospital setting.

A qualitative study using an Interpretive Description methodology.

A small urban Northeastern Ontario hospital.

Ten registered nursing staff from acute medical and surgical inpatient departments.

Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore nurses' e-learning perceptions. Interview transcripts were analyzed for themes.

Three key themes were found that described the participants' perceptions of e-learning and how it related to their continuing education: Unsatisfactory, Meaningful, and Enhancing learning experiences.

E-learning can be a useful method of continuing education for registered nurses; however, there are challenges in the delivery of e-learning and an ongoing need for quality development.