Analysis of the Concept “Continuing Education’’ in Nursing Education

Abstract

The term continuing education is extensively used throughout nursing education literature. This paper sought to re-examine the concept “continuing education” for its meaning, relevance and appropriateness of application. The authors examined the definitions of continuing education from dictionaries, thesauruses, and current nursing education literature was reviewed for meanings, usages, attributes, antecedents and consequences in line with Walker and Avant method of concept analysis. Model, borderline, and contrary cases were also presented. The paper concludes that the first step towards developing a theory of continuing education is a systematic analysis of the concept which includes defining attributes, antecedents and consequences of continuing education. The next step in the development of the theory of continuing education is the construction and testing of theoretical relationships between perceptions, motivation and barriers to continuing education. However, systematic studies of continuing education, whether quantitative or qualitative can be carried out to find out the impact of continuing education on nursing practice and this will ultimately enhance nursing science and promote professionalism in nursing.