Work

Outcome evaluation of a clinical nurse specialist continuing education pilot program: an intervention study with three repeated measures

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nurses must stay current on various professional requirements and advancements to deliver safe and effective patient care. Continuing education is essential for maintaining nursing competency, promoting job satisfaction, and upholding high standards in healthcare. This study aims to assess the effects of a continuing education pilot program on nurses' perceived practice outcomes and the barriers they face. Additionally, we sought to explore the possible links between job satisfaction, clinical nurse specialist core skills, and perceived practice outcomes and barriers. METHODS: This is a pilot intervention study with three repeated measures. A web-based survey was administered to Finnish nurses in both an intervention group (n = 35) and a control group (n = 44) at three time points: before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and 1 year later. A linear mixed-effects model was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The intervention had no statistically significant positive effect on nurses' perceived practice outcomes. Nurses' gender (p = 0005) and measurement point (p = 0.019) had a statistically significant association with organizational and interpersonal barriers, which decreased throughout the study process in the intervention group. Gender was also statistically associated (p = 0.031) with workflow-related barriers. The clinical nurse specialist-specific competency had a strong positive association with nursing practice outcomes, whereas job satisfaction had a positive association with the perceived nursing practice barriers. CONCLUSION: This pilot intervention study highlights the complexities of nursing practice amidst healthcare transitions and resource constraints. Addressing systemic issues and fostering a supportive work environment are essential for enhancing nursing practice and reducing barriers to it. Further research is needed with larger sample sizes, targeted populations, and additional research methods.

Source: BMC Nursing

DOI: 10.1186/s12912-025-03623-7

Authors: Mea Wright, Tarja Kvist, Santtu Mikkonen, Krista Jokiniemi

Institution: University of Eastern Finland

Language: English

Topic: Nursing education and management

Subfield: Research and Theory

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Quality education, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,090