Perception and Attitude of Pediatric Nurses Towards Continuing Education for Quality Health Care Delivery at The University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Abstract

Healthcare continuously evolves to meet the changing needs of the population. Within this dynamic field, both clinical knowledge and technical practices are expanding rapidly, contributing to an increasingly complex healthcare environment. This investigation sought to evaluate how pediatric nurses at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital in Nigeria view and approach ongoing professional education concerning its role in quality care provision. Employing a descriptive cross-sectional design, the study involved a sample of 78 participants, selected through convenience sampling. Data were gathered using a researcher-developed questionnaire. Analysis was conducted with Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 25.0, utilizing frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations for descriptive statistics. Inferential statistics, including regression analysis and ANOVA, were applied to test the hypotheses. Results indicated a statistically significant relationship between perception and barriers to continuing education [F (12, 16) = 3.673; p = 0.00]. Descriptive data further revealed that nurses generally held a highly positive perception and a moderately favorable attitude toward ongoing learning. The study concludes that deliberate efforts are necessary to secure funding for nursing continuing education programs and to improve access to learning resources. Recommendations include fostering a more proactive attitude among nurses toward professional development, given the constant evolution of medical knowledge and theory. Additionally, it is advised that governmental support be provided for accessible course offerings, including remote learning options that allow participation from home.