Association of self-efficacy and faculty support on students’ readiness for practice

Abstract

BackgroundThe nursing shortage is apparent again after nearly five decades of having a stable workforce. One novel development is that new Registered Nurses (RNs) are exiting their careers too early. Many of them leave the profession for multiple reasons such as burnout and family obligations, yet one reason has emerged – lack of readiness for practice, that also drives the RNs to leave the profession. PurposeThe purpose of this study was twofold — (1) to investigate the relationship between students' characteristics, their Generalized Self-Efficacy (GSE), Perceived Faculty Support (PFS), the Assessment Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Comprehensive Predictor RN Exam scores and their self-report of readiness for practice and (2) to examine which variables best explains the students' readiness for practice. MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive correlational research design with convenience sampling was utilized. Descriptive statistics were obtained to investigate the students' socio-demographic data. The Pearson r and multiple regression were used to analyze the relationships and influence between dependent variables Casey-Fink Readiness for Practice scale (CFRPS) and independent variables, students' characteristics, GSE, PFS, and ATI scores. ResultsOne hundred forty-three (143) out of 416 students in five baccalaureate schools from the western region of the United States participated in the survey. Findings showed GSE and PFS had significant positive correlations with students' readiness for practice. Further, factors of CFRPS in learning strategies, problem-solving, resourcefulness, and team player are best explained by GSE and PFS, accounting for 91 % of the variance. ConclusionStudents' GSE and PFS can contribute to their readiness for practice. Nurse educators must employ strategies that will bolster students' preparedness by improving their sense of self-efficacy and showing them the utmost faculty support.