Psychometric properties of the Japanese version of the career competencies questionnaire for nurses: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Career competencies, which are the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for career development, have been shown to facilitate career success, fulfilling both work and life goals. In dynamically changing healthcare settings, nurses’ career competencies are key for successfully navigating their careers and improving their nursing practice abilities. However, limited studies have examined career competencies in the nursing profession. In particular, no research has been conducted on career competencies among Japanese nurses, which remains a major challenge as voluntary effort is the main factor promoting career and professional development. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the Career Competencies Questionnaire (CCQ-J). Methods In this cross-sectional study conducted between June 2020 and August 2021, the English CCQ was translated into Japanese using back and forward translation. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted on separate samples. In the first step, item analysis and EFA were conducted with 276 nurses from one hospital. In the second step, CFA was conducted and concurrent validity and reliability were evaluated with 522 nurses from hospitals in the Tohoku region. Results Content validity was confirmed by the back-translation report, an expert panel, and a pilot test. The EFA showed that the CCQ-J consisted of a three-factor structure that explained 66.69% of the variance. The CFA revealed that all the fit indices were acceptable [chi-square value (CMIN) = 432.26, degree of freedom (df) = 153, chi-square fit statistic/degree of freedom (CMIN/df) = 2.83, goodness-of-fit index (GFI) = 0.93, adjusted goodness of fit index (AGFI) = 0.89, comparative fix index (CFI) = 0.96, and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.06]. Cronbach’s α for the 21-item CCQ-J and its subscales ranged from 0.85 to 0.95. Concurrent validity was demonstrated via the positive correlation between work engagement, life satisfaction, and the CCQ-J. Conclusions The CCQ-J is a valid and reliable instrument to assess the career competencies of Japanese nurses. We hope that the findings presented in this study will contribute to a better understanding of nurses’ career competencies and their successful career and professional development in the future.

Clinical nursing mentors’ motivation, attitude, and practice for mentoring and factors associated with them

“…Nurses have diverse motivations for mentoring; for instance, some saw mentoring as a means of advancing their careers, while others did it out of a sense of duty to the organization. One objective way to improve clinical practice could be to encourage nurses to view mentoring as an opportunity for professional growth rather than just a responsibility [ 19 , 20 ]. This shift in mindset may lead to more engaged and effective mentoring, ultimately benefiting both mentors and mentees.…”

Do nurses’ career competencies act as mediators and predictors between job resources and work engagement in the job demands-resources theory? A cross-sectional study

“…Hence, we analyzed career competencies as a three-factor instrument. This scale includes 21 items re ecting three underlying career competencies: re ective career competencies (seven items), communicative career competencies (seven items), and behavioral career competencies (seven items) [37]. The Cronbach's α for the CCQ-J in the previous study was 0.94, with the coe cient for each subscale ranging from 0.85 to 0.92 [37].…”

“…Career competencies were assessed using the Japanese version of the Career Competencies Questionnaire (CCQ-J) translated and validated by Yamada et al [37]. The original scale [4] consists of six rst-order factors, each loaded onto three second-order factors; however, Yamada et al…”

“…found that the three-factor structure is more appropriate for Japanese nurses [37]. Hence, we analyzed career competencies as a three-factor instrument.…”

“…This scale includes 21 items re ecting three underlying career competencies: re ective career competencies (seven items), communicative career competencies (seven items), and behavioral career competencies (seven items) [37]. The Cronbach's α for the CCQ-J in the previous study was 0.94, with the coe cient for each subscale ranging from 0.85 to 0.92 [37]. All items were rated on a ve-point Likert-type scale ranging from 1 (completely disagree) to 5 (completely agree) and evaluated using the total score on each subscale.…”