Navigating the Barriers to Continuing Professional Development Unit Acquisition among Nurses in Private and Public Hospitals in Dipolog City

Abstract

Continuing Professional Development (CPD), mandated under Republic Act 10912, is vital in maintaining nurses’ competence and quality healthcare delivery. However, nurses in provincial and resource-limited settings face barriers that limit CPD participation. This study examined the barriers to acquiring CPD units among 199 registered nurses in public and private hospitals in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, and determined differences based on selected demographic and professional variables. Using a quantitative descriptive–comparative design, data were collected through a validated questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and appropriate inferential tests. Findings revealed that financial barriers were most significant, followed by institutional and accessibility barriers, while personal barriers were moderate. Significant differences were observed by hospital type, employment status, and work experience. Financial constraints, weak institutional support, and limited accessibility hinder participation in CPD activities, highlighting the need for strengthened institutional support and decentralized CPD programs.