Need Assessment of Nursing Personnel of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences Using Delphi Technique in 2008

Introduction: Continuing nursing education programs have been administered for years, yet it is still necessary to continue research to assess nurses' educational needs and priorities. This study was designed and administrated to assess the educational needs of nursing personnel in Jahrom University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This is a survey study using Delphi 4-stage need assessment technique. Sampled population was all 35 matrons in hospitals affiliated with Jahrom University of Medical Sciences. The consensus level was set as 51%. Data was collected by three round questionnaires containing open ended and close ended questions content analysis, mean and mode were used for data analysis. Results: There was consensus among all participants about 26 priorities. Consensus in the first round was 38%, the second round 53% and in the third it was 62% and finally 4 priorities for matrons, 15 for newly graduated nursing personnel, and 17 for tenured nurses were agreed upon as continuing nursing education priorities. Top priority needs for nurses were nursing laws and regulations, principles of communication both with patients and colleagues, and CPR. Also all nurses needed to receive continuing education on principles of infection control, ECG interpretation, ward equipment handling, writing nursing report, research method, and accident & emergency nursing. Conclusion: The need assessment showed in-service nursing education is necessary for nurses, though educational priorities for nurses of different ranks and with different levels of experience and clinical responsibilities are different. Continuing nursing education could provide the necessary in-service training.