A comparison of the educational needs of advanced practice nurses in pediatric oncology: 1987 and 1995.

A survey conducted in 1987 identified and described the continuing education needs of Advanced Practice Nurses in Pediatric Oncology (APNPO). Questionnaires were mailed to 152 APNPOs, 120 were returned, and 92 (61%) met criteria for inclusion in the study. These nurses had varied personal and professional backgrounds, but they reported similar needs for continuing education. They preferred clinically relevant information, with emphasis on the most recent scientific developments. A similar survey was mailed to 50 APNPOs in 1995. Forty-four surveys (88%) were returned and were usable. These nurses, who also had varied personal and professional backgrounds, reported a preference for continuing education about patient management in addition to the most recent scientific developments.