Preferences of a random sample of registered nurses for noncredit continuing education through Maryland community colleges

This study determined the preferences of a random sample of registered nurses (RNs) residing in the state of Maryland for noncredit continuing-education (CE) courses through Maryland community colleges. The preferences concerned course topic, level of instruction, and scheduling of courses (month, day, time and format). It elicited the major reasons RNs participate or do not participate in non-credit CE and the need for a refresher nursing course. The Educational Needs Assessment Survey, an instrument developed by the researcher, was used to obtain the study data. It was mailed to 3,090 RNs on a master list provided by the Maryland Board of Nursing. Of the 1,719 (59.1%) nurses responding to the survey, 1,020 (59.3%) completed all three parts, indicating an interest in CE through the community colleges. The data were analyzed using frequency and percentage statistics to address four research questions. The five most preferred course topics for RNs in descending order of frequency of mention centered on "legal issues," "computers in nursing," "physical assessment," "AIDS," and "stress management." The intermediate level of instruction was the most preferred for seven of the top ten course topics. The beginning level was selected for "computers in nursing" and the advanced level for "AIDS.". Study respondents preferred March and April and a one-day format for scheduling of courses. Wednesday is the preferred day of the week. A strong preference is cited for courses scheduled once a week. The "expansion of knowledge base" is the most frequently cited reason nurses participate in noncredit CE courses. "Personal satisfaction" and "CEUs" ranked second and third in times mentioned. The top three reasons reported for not participating are "no time due to personal commitments," "cost of tuition," and "not familiar with courses offered in community colleges." Seventy-nine (4.6%) RNs indicated interest in a refresher nursing course. The major implications resulting from this research indicate that RNs in Maryland are interested in attending CE courses through Maryland community colleges; prefer specialized course topics at the intermediate and advanced levels; take courses for a variety of reasons; and want CEUs and flexible scheduling of course offerings.