BSTRACT This literature review explores how Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and the nursing career ladder contribute to improving nurses’ competence, motivation, and quality of care. Thirty national and international studies published from 2019 to 2025 were examined, covering aspects such as CPD implementation, influencing factors, organizational support, nurses’ perceptions, and the outcomes of structured career progression systems. The analysis indicates that CPD plays a key role in strengthening clinical skills, professional conduct, and overall performance through continuous learning. Additionally, career ladder programs offer clearer pathways for professional advancement, enhance job satisfaction, and lower turnover intention. Despite these advantages, challenges persist, including time constraints, limited institutional backing, inconsistent policies, financial limitations, and the underuse of digital systems for tracking competencies. Overall, the review emphasizes the importance of consistent CPD guidelines, stronger institutional engagement, and the integration of digital innovations like e-logbooks to support long-term professional growth. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term effects of CPD and career ladder integration on patient safety and nursing care quality. ABSTRAK Literature review ini meninjau bagaimana Continuing Professional Development (CPD) dan jenjang karir perawat berkontribusi terhadap peningkatan kompetensi, motivasi, dan mutu pelayanan keperawatan. Literature review ini mereview sebanyak 30 penelitian nasional dan internasional yang diterbitkan antara tahun 2019–2025 dianalisis, mencakup implementasi CPD, faktor-faktor yang memengaruhi, dukungan organisasi, persepsi perawat, serta dampak dari sistem jenjang karir yang terstruktur. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa CPD berperan penting dalam memperkuat keterampilan klinis, perilaku profesional, dan performa kerja melalui proses pembelajaran yang berkelanjutan. Di sisi lain, jenjang karir memberikan arah perkembangan profesional yang lebih jelas, meningkatkan kepuasan kerja, dan menurunkan keinginan untuk berpindah tempat kerja. Meski demikian, masih terdapat beberapa tantangan, seperti keterbatasan waktu, minimnya dukungan institusi, kebijakan yang tidak seragam, kendala biaya, serta kurang optimalnya penggunaan teknologi digital untuk pencatatan kompetensi. Secara keseluruhan, review ini menekankan perlunya pedoman CPD yang lebih terstandardisasi, keterlibatan institusi yang lebih kuat, dan pemanfaatan inovasi digital seperti e-logbook guna mendukung pengembangan profesional jangka panjang. Penelitian lanjutan diperlukan untuk menilai dampak jangka panjang integrasi CPD dan jenjang karir terhadap keselamatan pasien dan kualitas pelayanan keperawatan.