Stakeholder perspectives on graduates' acquisition of competencies in nursing bachelor's degree programs: A qualitative study

Abstract

BackgroundIn nursing education, greater emphasis should be placed on stakeholder perspectives, and these perspectives should be integrated into the educational process. Stakeholder perspectives are of great importance in determining the extent to which graduates achieve program competencies, and if necessary, in revising these competencies based on the relevant feedback. ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine stakeholder perspectives on the acquisition of nursing program competencies by graduates of undergraduate nursing programs. DesignExploratory qualitative research design. Participants and settingThe study was conducted in June 2024 through focus group interviews with a total of 20 internal and external stakeholders. MethodsThe data were collected using Semi-Structured Focus Group Interview Forms. The data were organized according to common/similar categories by content analysis. ResultsThe data obtained based on the views of the participants on the acquisition of nursing program competencies by graduates of nursing education programs were divided into three categories: Competencies Acquired from Nursing Education (professional knowledge and skills, lifelong learning), Competencies That Need Improvement (critical thinking/problem-solving skills, communication skills, foreign language proficiency, professional values, and managerial skills), and Suggestions to Improve Competencies Acquired from Nursing Education (suggestions related to education, the profession, and institutional/administrative matters). Additionally, 10 subcategories associated with these categories were identified. ConclusionCompetencies expected in members of the profession of nursing are a global topic of discussion, and the findings of study provide important insights for future studies. In line with these results, it is recommended to enhance collaboration with stakeholders and conduct regular meetings involving all stakeholders. The outcomes of these meetings should guide the structuring of educational programs to ensure the acquisition of competencies, and relevant activities should be planned and implemented accordingly.