Background of the Study
Continuous professional development (CPD) is essential in nursing as it ensures that healthcare professionals remain updated with new medical advancements, technologies, and best practices. In an era of rapidly evolving healthcare standards, CPD plays a crucial role in enhancing nurses' competencies, improving patient outcomes, and fostering professional growth (Williams et al., 2023). CPD programs encompass a range of activities, including workshops, certification courses, on-the-job training, and participation in professional conferences.
State Specialist Hospital in Bauchi, like many healthcare institutions in Nigeria, faces challenges related to staff competency, particularly in the adoption of modern healthcare practices and adherence to updated clinical guidelines (Adebayo et al., 2024). Despite the availability of CPD programs, the extent to which they improve nurses’ skills, confidence, and overall patient care remains uncertain. Research suggests that a lack of structured CPD programs can lead to stagnation in professional growth and diminished quality of care (Oladipo & Yusuf, 2023).
Given the critical role of nurses in healthcare delivery, assessing the impact of CPD programs at State Specialist Hospital, Bauchi, will provide insights into their effectiveness and inform strategies for enhancing professional development initiatives. This study aims to evaluate how CPD influences nurses’ competencies and identify potential barriers to participation in professional development programs.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the recognized importance of CPD in nursing, many healthcare institutions in Nigeria struggle with inadequate training opportunities, limited funding, and a lack of structured learning programs. At State Specialist Hospital, Bauchi, nurses are expected to provide high-quality care, yet there is little empirical evidence on whether CPD programs are effectively enhancing their competencies. Additionally, challenges such as staff shortages and workload pressure may hinder nurses from actively engaging in CPD initiatives. Without a clear understanding of the impact of CPD on nursing competency, it is difficult to make informed decisions about policy reforms and resource allocation for professional development.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the impact of continuous professional development on nurses’ competencies at State Specialist Hospital, Bauchi.
2. To identify the challenges faced by nurses in accessing CPD opportunities.
3. To evaluate nurses' perceptions of the effectiveness of CPD programs in improving their skills and knowledge.
Research Questions
1. How does continuous professional development influence nurses’ competencies at State Specialist Hospital, Bauchi?
2. What challenges do nurses face in accessing CPD opportunities?
3. What are nurses' perceptions of the effectiveness of CPD programs in enhancing their skills and knowledge?
Research Hypotheses
1. Continuous professional development significantly improves nurses' competencies at State Specialist Hospital, Bauchi.
2. Limited access to CPD opportunities hinders nurses' professional growth and competency.
3. Nurses who actively participate in CPD programs report higher confidence and improved clinical skills compared to those who do not.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses at State Specialist Hospital, Bauchi, examining the impact of CPD programs on their competencies. The research will involve surveys and interviews with nurses, hospital administrators, and CPD coordinators. Limitations may include difficulties in measuring competency improvements over time and potential biases in self-reported data.
Definitions of Terms
• Continuous professional development (CPD): Ongoing education and training initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals.
• Nursing competency: The ability of nurses to effectively perform their clinical duties based on knowledge, skills, and experience.
• Professional growth: The advancement of an individual’s career through continuous learning and skill development.
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