Abstract
This study aimed to clarify the current educational needs and related characteristics of teachers at two-year nursing schools by number of years of educational experience in order to enhance the continuing education of two-year nursing school teachers. A conceptual framework through a review of the literature was developed. As a measurement tool, we used the Educational Needs Assessment Tool for Nursing Faculty (FENAT) by Funashima et al (2006) , and a“ Characteristics Survey Form” prepared in the course of our research. Questionnaire forms were distributed to 721 teachers at 120 two-year nursing schools throughout Japan. Of the 492 (68.2%) forms that were collected, the 462 forms with valid responses were separated into six groups based on number of years of educational experience and statistically analyzed the data. The total FENAT scores indicated that educational needs for teachers at two-year nursing schools were highest for those in the group with ＜1 year of experience, followed in descending order by those with 1‒2 years of experience, those with 5‒10 years of experience, those with 2‒3 years of experience, and those with 3‒5 years of experience. Those with ≥10 years of experience had the least educational needs. In addition, the results from an investigation the relationships between total FENAT scores and characteristics for different numbers of years of educational experience indicated that the“ use/non-use of research results in classes” was associated with educational needs in those with ＜1 year of experience and in those with ＞5 years of experience,“ number of years of clinical tests” was associated with educational needs in those with 2‒3 years of experience, and“ membership/nonmembership in an academic society” was associated with educational needs in those with 3‒5 years of experience (p＜.05) . These results demonstrate that in order to enrich continuing education, it is necessary to use research results in classes, adjust preparatory states based on academic foundations, and enhance self-education involved in improving practical nursing skills.
