Students’ Self-assessed Competence Levels during Nursing Education Continuum – A Cross-sectional Survey

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>During nursing education, nursing students are required to develop their competence to be able to fulfill their duties safely as Registered Nurses. The aims of this study were to explore 1) nursing students’ self-assessed competence levels during education 2) the relationship with competence and frequency at which competencies are utilized in clinical practice, and 3) factors related to competence levels. 841 (response rate 67.6 %) nursing students responded to the Nurse Competence Scale in a cross-sectional study. The self-assessed overall competence levels were improving during the education continuum (VAS-means 1st 56.6; 2nd 58.3; 3rd 59.8 and 3.5th -year students 68.4). Every group revealed a significant positive correlation with competence and frequency at which competencies are utilized in clinical practice in clinical placement. Risk factors for low competence were also identified. Systematic multimethod competence evaluations with longitudinal designs are needed to monitor outcomes of nursing education.</jats:p>

The level of competence of graduating nursing students in 10 European countries—Comparison between countries

“…The Nurse Competence Scale, which has previously been validated in many countries (Flinkman et al., 2017), is a reliable instrument for the assessment of competence. In this study, internal consistency among competence categories varied from 0.83–0.93, being acceptable, in line with earlier studies (Kajander‐Unkuri et al., 2014, 2020; Notarnicola et al., 2018). As the NCS is based on Benner's From Novice to Experts framework (Meretoja, Isoaho, et al., 2004), it covers various levels of items on the continuum of professional development.…”

“…Overall, the research has increased in the 21st century (Blazun et al., 2015), and in Europe, it has been conducted from the point of view of GNSs themselves, nurse managers, nurse educators and mentors (e.g. Forsman et al., 2020; Gardulf et al., 2019; Kajander‐Unkuri et al., 2016, 2020; Nilsson et al., 2019; Numminen et al., 2014; Theander et al., 2016). However, there is a lack of international comparative research about the competence of GNSs.…”

“…In Finland, GNSs have assessed their competence as highest in helping patients to cope and providing individualized care. The lowest assessments relate to acting collegially, accountably, autonomously and taking care of one's own continuous professional development (Kajander‐Unkuri et al., 2014, 2016, 2020). The evaluations of Finnish GNSs correspond to evaluations in Sweden (Forsman et al., 2020; Gardulf et al., 2016, 2019; Nilsson et al., 2014; Theander et al., 2016) and Greece (Kiekkas et al., 2019).…”

Evaluating nursing competence with the Nurse Competence Scale from an ontological and contextual point of view: An integrative literature review

“…In the study by Bahreini et al, 36 46 of 190 of the nurses had less than two years' work experience, but a bachelor's, or a master's degree. Competence increases with experience, 45,53,55,56 as shown in the study by Lima et al 55 The overall Competence increased in all categories and items except in using research evidence to develop care in the units. 56 Also, frequency of use correlated with the estimated level of competence, 14,[22][23][24][25][26][27]32,34,36,40,46,50,51 as did the possibilities to participate in further education, good nursing equipment, good leadership and support and permanent employment.…”

Perfil empreendedor entre estudantes de graduação em enfermagem

“…Os estudantes consideram-se mais competentes para a realização de atividades de cuidado direto ao paciente do que para ações gerenciais, relacionadas à planejamento, liderança e tomada de decisão. (24) Assim, é válido pontuar a importância de discussões acerca da formação do enfermeiro, no que tange ao enfoque dado ao desenvolvimento de competências e habilidades para a liderança e ao posicionamento político relacionados à dimensão gerencial do trabalho da enfermagem.…”