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To enhance nurses' job performance and reduce their turnover intentions, it is important to improve both the public image and self-image of nurses.

This study developed a scale to measure the nursing competence of Japanese registered nurses and to test its psychometric properties. Following the derivation of scale items and pilot testing, the final version of the scale was administered to 331 nurses to establish its internal consistency, as well as its construct and criterion-related validity. Using an exploratory and a confirmatory factor analysis, 36 items with a five-factor structure were retained to form the Holistic Nursing Competence Scale. These factors illustrate nurses' general aptitude and their competencies in staff education and management, ethical practice, the provision of nursing care, and professional development. The Scale has a positive correlation with the length of clinical experience. A Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.967. The Scale is a reliable and valid measure, helping both nurses and organizations to correctly evaluate nurses' competence and identify their needs for professional development.

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The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore women's experiences of giving birth with their husband's support in urban Nepal. The study was conducted in July 2009 at a midwife-led birthing centre in the capital of Nepal. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted among twelve first-time expectant mothers who gave birth with the support of their husband. Each interview was audio-taped. The recorded data was analysed using thematic analysis. Three themes were identified: (1) feeling in control of the labour process, (2) concern for their husband and (3) emotional discomfort. Most of the time, the women, with support from their husband, felt in control of the childbirth process, but they were also periodically in discomfort. Moreover, they were concerned that their husband had to witness their labour pain. Educational and birth preparation classes for expectant couples would help to reduce women's emotional discomfort and alleviate their concern for their husband.

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