Education for life : the evaluation of an innovative approach to facilitate ongoing learning for nurses

There is general consensus within the nursing profession that life-long learning is crucial for all nurses irrespective of their educational backgrounds. There currently is a paucity of literature addressing both the problems experienced in accessing and utilising continuing education or innovative programs designed to overcome these problems, despite widespread acknowledgement of the problems encountered. In this paper the findings from the evaluation of the Clinician-Trainer Program, developed by the Centre for Psychiatric Nursing Research and Practice (CPNRP) are presented. This includes an evaluation of the course itself and of its impact on clinical practice. The findings suggest a high level of satisfaction with the course, but more importantly, it appears to be assisting trained clinicians to deliver professional development sessions within their workplace.