Factors perceived to facilitate and impede learning in the workplace.

A study was conducted to determine factors that facilitate and impede learning in a hospital nursing staff development department. Data were collected through interviews, observations, critical incidents, and document reviews. Findings show that factors perceived to facilitate learning are (1) support for education by nursing administration, (2) availability of education, (3) the inviting atmosphere of the staff development department, (4) small class size, (5) informal learning, (6) the expert instructor, and (7) support of education by first-line managers. Factors perceived to impede learning are fewer: (1) written tests, (2) short staffing, and (3) first-line managers.