Presenters and attendees in this session examine the benefits/impact of OERs in continuing professional development for professions that require continuing education. This mixed-methods pre-post OER intervention study with 77 registered nurses investigates nurses' perceptions of OERs before and after participating in a continuing educational activity using an OER. Pre-to-post RN perceptions of OERs improved, with participants noting their quality, economic benefits, increased equitable access, and convenience for professional development. Educators should incorporate OERs into professional development offerings. RNs affirmed the benefits of including OERs in continuing nursing education and professional development. Their feedback stressed the vital role these resources play in promoting access, equity, and persistent learning within the profession.
Attendees of this session will be able to:- Describe the role of open educational resources (OERs) in continuing professional development.
- Examine key findings from a mixed-methods pre–post study evaluating the impact of OER use in professional education.
- Identify perceived benefits of OERs, including quality, cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and convenience for continuing education.
