Competence profiles of recently registered nurses working in intensive and emergency settings

Abstract

Preceptorship is an essential method of supporting nurse competence, guaranteeing high quality care and increasing job satisfaction. To describe recently registered nurses' perceptions of their competence level, and to identify factors influencing these perceptions. The survey was conducted by using Meretoja's Nurse Competence Scale. The sample comprised 235 registered nurses working in intensive and emergency settings. The data were analysed by using statistical methods. Nurses' self-assessed competence level ranged from moderate to good. A statistically significant association was seen between competence level and age, length of current work experience and the frequency of using competencies. The results shed useful light on the educational needs of nurses and provide important clues for the development of preceptorship programmes. The Nurse Competence Scale proved to be a reliable and valid instrument in assessing the competence of recently registered nurses. Implications for nursing management We recommend that management strategies be developed to enhance and support positive learning environments for competence development. We recommend preceptorship programmes based on systematic competence assessments made by nurses themselves, their preceptors and managers.