Impact of Soft Skills Training Program on Head Nurses’ Performance

Abstract

Background: Soft skills are equally important as hard skills. Technical hard skills are no longer enough for head nurses to compete in this highly competitive work environment. Therefore, soft skills are of paramount importance. Research Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of soft skills training programs on head nurses’ performance. Research design: a quasi-experimental (one- group pretest/posttest) research design was utilized to accomplish the aim of this study. Setting: The study was carried out in the Benha university hospitals in six General Medical Units, two General Surgical Units (Male and Female). Subject: This study included a convenience sample of n=50 head nurses. Tools: three tools used for data collection includes a structured questionnaire sheet, job performance evaluation sheet, and soft skill evaluation checklist. Results: There were highly statistically significant differences for head nurses’ knowledge, job performance, and soft skills pre/post-intervention at p <0.01 for all. Conclusion: Based on the study findings, a training program about soft skills effectively improve head nurses’ knowledge, job performance, and soft skills. Recommendation: Regular training programs about soft skills for nurses and nursing administrators are essential for encouraging positive nurses’ skills and maintain effective health care.