A Qualitative Analysis of Factors in the Work Environment That Influence Nurses' Use of Knowledge Gained from CE Programs

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Abstract
Continuing education (CE) programs for nurses often result in improved quality of patient care and personal and professional growth of participants. These outcomes are not achieved when nurses perceive barriers to putting knowledge from CE programs into practice. This qualitative study examined nurses' perceptions of factors in the work environment that influence the use of knowledge gained from CE programs. Fourteen themes were identified from analysis of in-depth interviews of eight RNs and observations of their work environment, a 40-bed general medical unit. Factors identified by the nurses were rated on a Likert-type scale and these factors were represented in diagrammatic form, consistent with Lewin's (1951) Field Theory analysis. An in-depth analysis of two qualitative themes is presented here. This analysis suggests three important implications for educators and reemphasizes the need for participant involvement in the planning phase of continuing education programs.

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