The purpose was to determine the effect of personal and professional factors, as well as motivational orientations, on the participation of nursing staff in continuing education at two health institutions, one public and another private. Descriptive, comparative, correlational design. Probabilistic sampling, random estimation, error limit 0.05, confidence level 95%. Participants were 105 subjects from the private institution and 200 subjects from the public institution. Two instruments were applied: Scale of Reasons for Participation (SRP) and instrument of Participation in Continuing Education (PCE). The internal consistency of the instruments was acceptable. Among personal factors, the income demonstrated effect on the participation (p=.007) in continuing education. Academic level (p=.004) and staff position (p=.005) are professional factors that predict participation in continuing education, as well as the development factor and professional enhancement among motivational orientations (p=.005). The labor institution, whether private or public, did not show any significant effect.
education, nursing, continuing; nursing
