LAUSR

Introduction Many nurse regulators have as part of their initial registration/licensure or renewal process a requirement for continuing professional development (CPD). Evidence of CPD can demonstrate that nurses have kept current and informed about changes to professional practice, have remained connected to their profession, and/or are suitably prepared to return to practice. Aim To conduct a bibliographic analysis of indexed literature relating to the role and influence of the regulator on CPD in nursing. Methods A literature review systematically identified relevant articles (2009-2019) about CPD and regulation identified through literature databases, including CINAHL, Embase, and PubMed. Thirty identified titles, and abstracts were uploaded into VOSviewer to conduct the bibliometric data analysis. Results Four cluster titles were identified with regulation mentioned: (a) continuing competence framework and clinical practice; (b) regulation, CPD, and public health; (c) professional development programming for patient care; and (d) nursing education. Over the past 10 years, there has been very little research published relating specifically to the influence of regulation on nursing CPD. Conclusions Regulators have not provided a strong voice in the literature regarding why CPD is included in the professional practice framework. However, there is evidence that the role of the regulator and regulation are used to influence nurses to take specific CPD to make an impact on patient/population health outcomes.