Continuing Professional Education, Organizational Support, and Professional Competence: Dilemmas of Rural Nurses

摘要

As the 21st century begins, the workplace is changing at a pace previously unimagined. Scientific and technical information doubles every 5 to 7 years (Flagello, 1998). Some contend that the nurses' basic education for practice becomes obsolete within 10 years of graduation (Gillies & Petengill, 1993). While obsolescence can lead to poor performance for many professionals, lack of competence on the part of RNs can result in disability, continued illness, or perhaps even the death of patients.