The social context of skill enhancement : training decisions of occupational health nurses

A model of mid-career training decisions was examined in a survey of 270 occupational health nurses in the U.K. The model proposed that distinct factors define the facilitation and deterrence of educational involvement, each of which has an impact on employees' interest in pursuing educational programs. Educational interest mediated the impact of facilitators and deterrents on participation in both formal educational programs and autodidaxy. Situational and personal characteristics of employees predicted participation as well. The existence of a training department within the organization and the availability of collegial support also had an impact on actual training involvement, but not on nurses' interest in pursuing training. The article discusses influence of organizational context on the development of professional efficacy through mid-career training. It considers as well suggestions for educational policy for organizations employing occupational health nurses and for the nursing profession.