Self-Directed Learning Among Nurse Learners in Sri Lanka

Background: Although self-directed learning (SDL) has become an essential instrument for educating nursing professionals, little is known about SDL among nurses in a developing country. Method: Data were collected using a structured self-reporting survey, which included Fisher's Self-Directed Learning Readiness (SDLR) scale, and a multiple linear regression analysis was conducted. Results: The mean score per item on the SDLR was 4.31 of 5. The learning-related factors that influenced SDLR were motivation for learning and self-efficacy in English proficiency, and the working-related factor was job satisfaction. These variables accounted for 17.6% of the variance in SDLR scores. Conclusion: The SDLR of nurse learners in Sri Lanka was influenced not only by learning related factors but also by working-related factors. Therefore, it is necessary to develop multidimensional strategies to strengthen nurses' SDLR.