American Journal of Nursing Science

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Challenges Facing Nurses While Participating in Continuing Professional Development: A Case of Western Kenya

Received: 12 May 2017    Accepted: 19 May 2017    Published: 10 July 2017
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Abstract

Background: The context of work for nurses is rapidly changing due to changes in care, innovative technologies, and emergence of new knowledge. Participation in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in many countries in Africa remains low. Objective: The objective of the study was to explore the challenges facing Nurses while participating in CPD in Western Kenya. Methods: A descriptive cross- sectional study design was employed where 235 stratified and randomly selected nurses and four CPD Coordinators from four County Hospitals in Western Kenya were selected. The Key informants and the respondents for Focus Group Discussions were selected purposively. Data for this research was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, interview schedules and Focus Group Discussion guide. Data analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS V. 20). Data was summarized using frequencies; means and standard deviation. The data obtained was presented using percentage distributions, bar graphs and frequencies. Qualitative data was analysed thematically. Results: Majority of the nurses reported staff shortage 199 (85.8%), lack of time due to heavy workload 179 (77.2%) and lack of finance 137 (59.1%). Other challenges included: lack of information on availability of CPD (35.8%), family commitment (28.9%), lack of interest (15.1%) and distance (27.2%). Findings from FGDs showed similar results; staff shortage and heavy workload were cited as major challenges hindering nurse’s participation in CPDs. Key informants reported, lack of written policies for CPD, lack of available guidelines for CPD and lack of coordination with other CPD coordinators either at County level or at National level. Conclusion and Recommendations: The main challenges highlighted by nurses were:-staff shortages, lack of time due to heavy workload, lack of finances, night shift and lack of information on the availability of CPD. Key informants highlighted:- lack of written policies for CPD, lack of available guidelines for CPD, lack of coordination with other CPD coordinators. The study recommends employing more nurses, formulating policies affecting CPD and providing financial support to help support CPD activities. Coordinators should organize favorable time and space for CPD activities while ensuring equal opportunities are offered for participation and there is need for coordination with other CPD coordinators either at County level or at National level.

DOI 10.11648/j.ajns.20170604.14
Published in American Journal of Nursing Science (Volume 6, Issue 4, August 2017)
Page(s) 304-307
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Continuing Professional Development, CPD Activities, Challenges, CPD Coordinator

References
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[2] Barribal, K. L., While, A. E. (1996). Participation in continuing professional education in Nursing: Findings of an Interview Study. Journal of Advanced Nursing.
[3] Cooper, E. (2009). Creating a Culture of Professional Development: A Milestone Pathway Tool for Registered Nurses. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing 40, (1).
[4] Davey, B., Robinson, S. (2002). Taking a Degree after Qualifying as a Registered General Nurse: Constraints and Effects. Nurse Education Today; 22: 624-631. Elsevier Science Direct.
[5] De Villiers, M. (2008). Global Challenges in Continuing Professional Development: The South African perspective. Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions. 28 (S1): 26.
[6] Draper, J. (2007). Impact of Continuing Professional Education on Practice: The Rhetoric and the Reality. Nurse Education Today.
[7] Farooq, P. S. (2003). Continuing professional development for psychiatrists in Developing Countries. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment.
[8] Golding, L., & Gray, I. (2006). Continuing Professional Development: A Brief Guide. The Psychologist. 19(9), 530-532.
[9] Hamdeh, H. A. & Jaradeh, M. (2010). Nurses' Experiences of Continuing Professional Development: DAR Publishers, university of Jordan. J Med J; Vol. 44 (3): 313- 322).
[10] Johnson, A. & Copnell, B. (2002). Benefits and Barriers for Nurses Undertaking Post-Graduate Diplomas in Pediatric Nursing. Nurse Education Today; 22: 118-127. Available Elsevier Science Direct. Journal of Medical Education. Vol. 01, no. 01.
[11] Kubsch, S., Henniges, A., Lorenzoni, N., Eckardt, S & Oleniczak, S. (2003). Factors Influencing Accruement of Contact hours for nurses. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 34(5): 205-211.
[12] Lakati, A. & Ngatia, P. (2012). Barriers to Enrolment into a Professional upgrading Programme for Enrolled Nurses in Kenya. Pan African Medical Journal. 13 (1: 10).
[13] Larcombe, K. & Maggs, C. (1991). Process for Identifying the Continuing Professional Education Needs of Nurses, Midwives and Health visitors. An Evaluation. English National Board for Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors. London.
[14] Mayes, P & Schott-Baer, D. (2010). Professional Development for Night Shift Nurses. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 41(1): 17-22.
[15] McCoy, C. (2009). Professional Development in Rural Nursing: Challenges and Opportunities. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 40(3): 128-131.
[16] Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (2000). The PREP (practice) Standard, Nursing and Midwifery Council. www.nmc-org/nmc/main/advice/thePracticeStandard.html (accessed on 27/7/2016).
[17] Onyango, D. A. (2012). Nurses' Perceptions of Continuing Professional Development in a Public Health Care Facility in Kisumu, Kenya. University of South Africa.
[18] Schweitzer, D. J & Krassa, T. J. (2010). Deterrents to Nurses’ Participation in Continuing Professional Development: An Integrative Literature Review. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 41(10): 441-447.
[19] Stanley, H. (2003). The Journey to Becoming a Graduate Nurse: A Study Of The Lived Experience of Part-Time Post-Registration Students. Nurse Education in Practice. 3: 62-71.
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Author Information
  • Department of Midwifery and Gender, School of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya

  • Department of Public Health, School of Health Sciences, Meru University, Meru, Kenya

  • Department of Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya

  • Department of Medical Education, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya

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  • APA Style

    Mosol Priscah, Kei Robert, Obwoge Ronald Omenge, Ng’eno Anne. (2017). Challenges Facing Nurses While Participating in Continuing Professional Development: A Case of Western Kenya. American Journal of Nursing Science, 6(4), 304-307. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajns.20170604.14

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    ACS Style

    Mosol Priscah; Kei Robert; Obwoge Ronald Omenge; Ng’eno Anne. Challenges Facing Nurses While Participating in Continuing Professional Development: A Case of Western Kenya. Am. J. Nurs. Sci. 2017, 6(4), 304-307. doi: 10.11648/j.ajns.20170604.14

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    AMA Style

    Mosol Priscah, Kei Robert, Obwoge Ronald Omenge, Ng’eno Anne. Challenges Facing Nurses While Participating in Continuing Professional Development: A Case of Western Kenya. Am J Nurs Sci. 2017;6(4):304-307. doi: 10.11648/j.ajns.20170604.14

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  • @article{10.11648/j.ajns.20170604.14,
      author = {Mosol Priscah and Kei Robert and Obwoge Ronald Omenge and Ng’eno Anne},
      title = {Challenges Facing Nurses While Participating in Continuing Professional Development: A Case of Western Kenya},
      journal = {American Journal of Nursing Science},
      volume = {6},
      number = {4},
      pages = {304-307},
      doi = {10.11648/j.ajns.20170604.14},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajns.20170604.14},
      eprint = {https://download.sciencepg.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajns.20170604.14},
      abstract = {Background: The context of work for nurses is rapidly changing due to changes in care, innovative technologies, and emergence of new knowledge. Participation in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in many countries in Africa remains low. Objective: The objective of the study was to explore the challenges facing Nurses while participating in CPD in Western Kenya. Methods: A descriptive cross- sectional study design was employed where 235 stratified and randomly selected nurses and four CPD Coordinators from four County Hospitals in Western Kenya were selected. The Key informants and the respondents for Focus Group Discussions were selected purposively. Data for this research was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, interview schedules and Focus Group Discussion guide. Data analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS V. 20). Data was summarized using frequencies; means and standard deviation. The data obtained was presented using percentage distributions, bar graphs and frequencies. Qualitative data was analysed thematically. Results: Majority of the nurses reported staff shortage 199 (85.8%), lack of time due to heavy workload 179 (77.2%) and lack of finance 137 (59.1%). Other challenges included: lack of information on availability of CPD (35.8%), family commitment (28.9%), lack of interest (15.1%) and distance (27.2%). Findings from FGDs showed similar results; staff shortage and heavy workload were cited as major challenges hindering nurse’s participation in CPDs. Key informants reported, lack of written policies for CPD, lack of available guidelines for CPD and lack of coordination with other CPD coordinators either at County level or at National level. Conclusion and Recommendations: The main challenges highlighted by nurses were:-staff shortages, lack of time due to heavy workload, lack of finances, night shift and lack of information on the availability of CPD. Key informants highlighted:- lack of written policies for CPD, lack of available guidelines for CPD, lack of coordination with other CPD coordinators. The study recommends employing more nurses, formulating policies affecting CPD and providing financial support to help support CPD activities. Coordinators should organize favorable time and space for CPD activities while ensuring equal opportunities are offered for participation and there is need for coordination with other CPD coordinators either at County level or at National level.},
     year = {2017}
    }
    

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  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - Challenges Facing Nurses While Participating in Continuing Professional Development: A Case of Western Kenya
    AU  - Mosol Priscah
    AU  - Kei Robert
    AU  - Obwoge Ronald Omenge
    AU  - Ng’eno Anne
    Y1  - 2017/07/10
    PY  - 2017
    N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajns.20170604.14
    DO  - 10.11648/j.ajns.20170604.14
    T2  - American Journal of Nursing Science
    JF  - American Journal of Nursing Science
    JO  - American Journal of Nursing Science
    SP  - 304
    EP  - 307
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2328-5753
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajns.20170604.14
    AB  - Background: The context of work for nurses is rapidly changing due to changes in care, innovative technologies, and emergence of new knowledge. Participation in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in many countries in Africa remains low. Objective: The objective of the study was to explore the challenges facing Nurses while participating in CPD in Western Kenya. Methods: A descriptive cross- sectional study design was employed where 235 stratified and randomly selected nurses and four CPD Coordinators from four County Hospitals in Western Kenya were selected. The Key informants and the respondents for Focus Group Discussions were selected purposively. Data for this research was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, interview schedules and Focus Group Discussion guide. Data analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS V. 20). Data was summarized using frequencies; means and standard deviation. The data obtained was presented using percentage distributions, bar graphs and frequencies. Qualitative data was analysed thematically. Results: Majority of the nurses reported staff shortage 199 (85.8%), lack of time due to heavy workload 179 (77.2%) and lack of finance 137 (59.1%). Other challenges included: lack of information on availability of CPD (35.8%), family commitment (28.9%), lack of interest (15.1%) and distance (27.2%). Findings from FGDs showed similar results; staff shortage and heavy workload were cited as major challenges hindering nurse’s participation in CPDs. Key informants reported, lack of written policies for CPD, lack of available guidelines for CPD and lack of coordination with other CPD coordinators either at County level or at National level. Conclusion and Recommendations: The main challenges highlighted by nurses were:-staff shortages, lack of time due to heavy workload, lack of finances, night shift and lack of information on the availability of CPD. Key informants highlighted:- lack of written policies for CPD, lack of available guidelines for CPD, lack of coordination with other CPD coordinators. The study recommends employing more nurses, formulating policies affecting CPD and providing financial support to help support CPD activities. Coordinators should organize favorable time and space for CPD activities while ensuring equal opportunities are offered for participation and there is need for coordination with other CPD coordinators either at County level or at National level.
    VL  - 6
    IS  - 4
    ER  - 

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