Abstract:
This study was carried out in Kaduna State, Nigeria to explore the perspectives of nurses about the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programme (MCPDP). The study used an exploratory descriptive qualitative design to explore and describe the perceptions of registered nurses and midwives in Kaduna State about mandatory continuing professional development programme. Since not much research has been done in Nigeria to elucidate the perspectives of nurses about the various dimensions of MCPDP, the qualitative design was best suited to delve into the phenomenon and throw more light on it. The target population was all nurses who had attended MCPDP in Kaduna State. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants in this study. Ten (10) nurses and midwives were interviewed to reach data saturation. Data were collected using face to face interviews and transcribed verbatim. The data were analysed using content analysis. The major finding of the study indicated that nurses generally held good perspectives about the MCPDP and the rationale for its introduction. The major challenges confronting participants was identified as poor programme accessibility, funding, administrative barriers and shortage of nurses. Findings also revealed that, there are shortcomings in the practicum and some aspects of content and delivery of the programme. Further evaluation of the MCPDP programme with a view to addressing the identified pitfalls is necessary. It is recommended that the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, the Ministry of Health, Kaduna State and the State Implementation committee must collaborate to resolve the challenges within their mandates and capacities at each level
