Self-Directed External BLS Training: Motivations for Continuing Professional Development Among Japanese Nurses

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Emergency Medical Services
• Professional Development

Background:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) training is crucial for emergency care.
• Nurses often independently seek external BLS courses due to inconsistent institutional support for continuing education in Japan.
• Factors motivating nurses to independently pursue and repeat BLS training are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the motivational and contextual factors influencing Japanese nurses' participation in external BLS training.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study design was employed.
• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight registered nurses.
• Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview data.

Main Results:

• Eight key themes emerged, including desire for growth, career advancement, peer influence, past experiences, cost-benefit analysis, competing demands, organizational policies, and the need for repetition to maintain competence.
• Nurses' motivations are shaped by professional values, social dynamics, and workplace conditions.
• Sustaining competence requires repeated training and addressing various personal and professional factors.

Conclusions:

• Nurses' engagement in external BLS training is driven by a combination of intrinsic professional values, social interactions, and the prevailing organizational environment.
• Healthcare organizations should implement structured support systems to encourage participation and continuous professional development.
• Fostering reflective learning and addressing emotional and social aspects are vital for sustained engagement in BLS training.