Characteristics of registered nurses' self-directed learning projects for professional development

This study examined characteristics of 88 self-directed learning (SDL) projects. The projects were completed within 6 months of the study by practicing registered nurses and pertained to some aspect of learning for professional development. The characteristics that were studied were the SDL projects' locations, planners, benefits, resources, obstacles, organization, and subject gains in knowledge and skill. Subjects reported that the home and the work place were the most frequently used locations for SDL projects. The learners themselves and groups led by professionals were responsible for 70 per cent of the planning. The two most frequently used resources were peer coworkers and conference handouts. The most frequently checked motivator for doing the projects was the anticipated ability to apply the knowledge or skill gained during learning. The leading obstacle was finding time to do the learning. The majority of the subjects reported that the projects were organized with goals, planned activities, and evaluation strategies. Most of the subjects believed that they learned a great deal from the projects and that others had also benefited from their learning. Implications are discussed.