Effects of an intensive clinical skills course on senior nursing students' self-confidence and clinical competence: A quasi-experimental post-test study

Abstract

BackgroundTo foster nursing professionals, nursing education requires the integration of knowledge and practice. Nursing students in their senior year experience considerable stress in performing the core nursing skills because, typically, they have limited opportunities to practice these skills in their clinical practicum. Therefore, nurse educators should revise the nursing curricula to focus on core nursing skills. ObjectivesTo identify the effect of an intensive clinical skills course for senior nursing students on their self-confidence and clinical competence. DesignA quasi-experimental post-test study. SettingsA university in South Korea during the 2015–2016 academic year. ParticipantsA convenience sample of 162 senior nursing students. MethodsThe experimental group (n=79) underwent the intensive clinical skills course, whereas the control group (n=83) did not. During the course, students repeatedly practiced the 20 items that make up the core basic nursing skills using clinical scenarios. Participants' self-confidence in the core clinical nursing skills was measured using a 10-point scale, while their clinical competence with these skills was measured using the core clinical nursing skills checklist. Independent t-test and chi-square tests were used to analyze the data. ResultsThe mean scores in self-confidence and clinical competence were higher in the experimental group than in the control group. ConclusionThis intensive clinical skills courses had a positive effect on senior nursing students' self-confidence and clinical competence for the core clinical nursing skills. This study emphasizes the importance of reeducation using a clinical skills course during the transition from student to nursing professional.