CONTRIBUTIONS OF PERMANENT EDUCATION FOR QUALIFICATION OF NURSING ASSISTANCE IN A PUBLIC HOSPITAL

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the perspective of nursing professionals on permanent education and its contribution to professional development. Material and Methods: This was a qualitative, quantitative, descriptive, exploratory study with 113 nurses from a public hospital in the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte. A semi structured questionnaire was applied for data collection from March to July 2016. The data were tabulated into Microsoft Office Excel Professional Plus 2010 and analyzed according to the Thematic Content Analysis. Results: 47% of participants answered that permanent education aims to promote professional development, while 27% reported that it improves patient care. Permanent education was seen by 100% of respondents as a fundamental part of the work. In 98% of the sample, motivation to participate in permanent education actions was the need of learning and improvement. On the other hand, 56% answered that work overload was a factor that made it difficult to participate. Conclusion: As for the answers given by the participants, it was possible to perceive that permanent education brought contributions to (i) professional development and training, (ii) assisting in the activities that promote learning, as well as (iii) exchange of experiences, knowledge and perspectives on the working process. The nursing team recognizes the importance of permanent education for the development of their actions. Consistently with the literature, This study shows that work overload and lack of material resources hinder participation of professionals in activities related to permanent education. DESCRIPTORS: Education, Continuing; Nursing, Team; Health Education.