Registered Nurses' Perceptions of Liberal Education

Abstract

Educators in higher education and nursing stress the importance of liberal education in helping professionals address the complexity, ambiguity, and rapid change inherent in current practice. Yet, little is known about nurses' perceptions and use of liberal education either personally or professionally. This article explores RN^ perceptions of liberal education, including its personal and professional impact and its acquisition. Based on interviews with 17 practicing nurses, important themes about liberal education were derived using phenomenological analysis. The findings suggest issues that educators might examine to improve the acquisition of liberal education and its integration with professional practice.