Competent Practice Research Articles

Self-Perceived Competency Assessment among Dietetics Students in Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA)

This study aimed to assess the self-perceived competency among dietetics students in Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA). The self-perceived competency of the students was evaluated using the Nutrition Competence (NUTCOMP) questionnaire, a validated tool designed to measure the self-perceived competence of healthcare professionals, including dietitians, in providing nutrition care to patients with chronic diseases. A total of 54 dietetics students from UniSZA participated in the study, all enrolled in Year 4 Semester 2 during their clinical training. They completed the NUTCOMP questionnaire, which consists of various domains and items related to nutrition care practice, including communication skills, critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and professionalism. The results showed that the students perceived themselves to have a high level of competency, with a mean score of 140.1 and a standard deviation of 26.83. Specifically, the students reported high levels of confidence in their ability to interact with clients and stakeholders, interpret nutritional information into lay language, and apply critical thinking skills to research and evaluate nutrition practices. The findings indicate that the students felt well-prepared to enter the field of dietetics upon graduation, reflecting a positive perception of their competence in nutrition care. However, it is essential to acknowledge that self-perceived competency may not always align with actual performance, and objective assessments are needed to validate these self-perceptions. In conclusion, the findings of this study contribute valuable insights into the self-perceived competency of dietetics students in UniSZA. The results suggest that the students have confidence in their knowledge and skills related to nutrition care, indicating a positive outlook on their future roles as dietitians. Further research could explore the relationship between self-perceived competency and actual performance in dietetics practice, as well as investigate the factors influencing the development of competency among dietetics students. Understanding and enhancing competency among future dietitians are crucial for improving the quality of nutrition care and ultimately promoting better health outcomes for patients.

Practices and Adherence of Nurses with Standard Precautions of Infection Control in Intensive Care Units of Public Sector Hospitals in Lahore

<p>Abstract</p>
 <p>Background and objective: Severely ill patients are at a higher risk of carrying nosocomial infections especially when admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs). Therefore, it is the professional obligation of all health workers to adhere to the scientifically accepted criteria for infection control in clinical settings. This study was conducted to assess intensive care nurses’ adherence to standard precautions (SPs) and to assess the practices of SPs in intensive care.</p>
 <p>Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at ICUs of two public sector hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan, from March to September, 2022. A total of 150 nurses were selected for the study who worked in the medical-surgical, general, and specialized ICUs. The extent to which the behavior of a worker coincides with the prescribed standard (Adherence) and performing work repeatedly till it becomes a routine competency (Practice) was assessed using a structured questionnaire. The chi-square test was used to determine the link between adherence to SPs and the practice carried out by nurses. Data were analyzed and a p-value ≤ 0.05 was taken as significant.</p>
 <p>Results: A total of 84.7% of nurses showed adherence while practice was demonstrated by 52.7% of nurses. No significant correlation (p-value:0.95) was however found between the practice and adherence to the SPs, despite the fact that a notable gap was observed between the practice and adherence to SPs among ICU nurses.</p>
 <p>Conclusion: It is concluded that a compromised adherence to SPs of infection control in ICUs of public sector hospitals in Lahore is exhibited by the nurses.</p>

A Taiwanese pharmacy graduate-oriented questionnaire reveals higher confidence and self-evaluation in Pharm.D. graduates

Background: Pharmacy education reform in Taiwan began with the publication of a White Paper on Pharmacy Education in Taiwan (WPPET), leading to the introduction of six-year Pharm.D. programme in local schools. However, there's still diversity in educational goals among domestic pharmacy schools, and education recipients' perspectives are unreported. Methods: An education receivers-oriented, web-based questionnaire was employed to assess self-evaluated confidence and competency in pharmacy practice, adherence to WPPET, and opinions on pharmacy education reform, as well as the ideal pharmacy education. Results: A total of 458 responses were valid and included in the final analysis. Pharm.D. graduates showcased higher levels of confidence, self-evaluated competency, and overall satisfaction with their education compared to B. Pharm graduates. The direction for pharmacy education reform centred on course integration and advanced competency accreditation. Most respondents favoured retaining the national license test and introducing a new B. Pharm-based programme with choices for advanced capstone courses. Conclusion: This study implies the successful Pharm.D. programmes implementation aligned with WPPET. Future research should focus on course integration and advanced competency accreditation. A flexible, localised system providing diverse education options for recipients appears to be the most favourable.

The Role of Mediation of Work Motivation in Determining Working Readiness of Vocational School Students

The competency of vocational high school students is still said to be lacking in work readiness. This is caused by a lack of encouragement for oneself, family, school facilities, school environment, etc. This research aims to analyze the mediating role of work motivation in determining vocational school students' work readiness. This research uses an ex-post facto quantitative approach with the path analysis method. Research subjects in 3 vocational schools in machining engineering expertise in class XII with a total sample of 193 people. Data collection uses questionnaires, interviews, and documentation. Hypothesis testing in this study used SmartPLS 3 software. The findings show that work competency and industrial work practice experience can influence work motivation. Work motivation can directly influence students' work readiness. Indirectly, work competency affects work motivation through work readiness. Indirectly, industrial work practice experience affects work motivation through work readiness. It was concluded that work motivation plays a role in determining vocational school students' work readiness, especially in class XII machining engineering, followed by work competency and industrial work practice experience. So it is recommended to the vocational school community always to be motivated so that students are ready to work, have sufficient competence and experience, and always pay attention to the 3 things researchers discovered and discussed because vocational schools aim to work, continue, and become self-employed.

STUDENTS GAIN APPRECIATION FOR PATIENT-CENTERED AND TEAM-BASED CARE PARTICIPATING IN A GERIATRIC CASE COMPETITION

Abstract Health science students must attain interprofessional teamwork and collaboration competencies to provide effective, patient-centered care to older adults requiring complex care. However, students typically learn in disciplinary silos and lack engaging opportunities for interprofessional teamwork. To provide students with an interprofessional learning activity the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Programs (GWEP) at Saint Louis University and the University of Minnesota implemented a Geriatric Case Competition. We present the students’ experience with the 2022 competition. Students assigned to interprofessional teams with a coach had one month to prepare a 20-25 minute presentation of a comprehensive care plan using a simulated complex geriatric patient case. Judges scored team presentations using a rubric of core competencies for interprofessional collaborative practice. Each GWEP held local competitions with winning teams presenting at the inter-GWEP competition held via live videoconferencing. Top scoring teams received prizes. Students completed an eight-item satisfaction survey using a 5 point likert scale (5=poor to 1=excellent). Answers to open ended questions were analyzed qualitatively to find themes about their experience. 132 students joined the competition and 54 completed an evaluation survey (response rate 41%). Students rated their experience as good to excellent with mean ratings on 8 questions ranging from 1.5-2.2 (N=54). Themes included: the importance of patient centered care and the power of multiple perspectives/expertise. Students offered improvements related to student, coach, and judge expectations. In summary, the competition provided a very positive learning activity that helped students value the importance of patient centered care and interprofessional collaboration for older people.

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF VIRTUAL REALITY APPLICATION: AGE-FRIENDLY HEALTH SYSTEM SCENARIO

Abstract With an increase in the aging population, evidence-based practice education can help strengthen knowledge, skills, and clinical practice for healthcare students caring for older adults. Age Friendly Health Systems (AFHS) is one of the frameworks founded on providing evidence-based and low-risk care centered on what matters most to older adults, their families, and caregivers. While didactic education is still the primary force in teaching medical students, innovative methods are being included in the medical curriculum to practice competency. Virtual Reality (VR) platforms are popular due to their ability to provide an immersive hands-on learning experience resembling an actual medical practice. The immersion abilities engage the students’ sensory organs promoting an innovative way of learning concepts that are difficult to teach in real life. The project’s objective was to develop and publish a case highlighting AFHS that can help educate medical students on the 4Ms (Mobility, Mentation, Medication Management, and What Matters). The case was completed in multiple phases 1) using a design document modified through multiple edits and reviews by our interprofessional team; 2) technical development including environment, objects, and interfaces of the application; and 3) publication. The VR case displays four scenarios where an elderly patient is admitted for a hip fracture. Students learned how to triage and treat patients from admission to discharge while demonstrating their knowledge of AFHS. The case is integrated in the geriatric curriculum for medical students, and the education is ongoing. Future studies will evaluate the learning outcomes of medical students.

NAVIGATING CAREWORKER CURRICULUM REVISION IN SOUTH KOREA: CHARTING COURSES FOR ELEVATING PRACTICE COMPETENCIES

Abstract The purpose of this study is to comprehensively investigate and analyze the process of revising the careworker curriculum in South Korea with a primary focus on augmenting practice competencies. This research involved an analysis of the existing 240-hour curriculum, complemented by a comprehensive literature review. Additionally, Focus Group Interviews were conducted with a cohort of 20 present careworkers to effectively identify the prevailing needs within the practice field. This study expanded the curriculum duration from 240 to 320 hours. Subsequently, pilot courses were executed, incorporating enhanced content related to dementia care, humanity in caregiving, and infectious disease management. These modifications were delivered via webinars to 64 active care workers, a method chosen due to the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study employed a pre-post design to inquire about the perceptions of older adults and their job skills. Fifty-four female care workers (84.2%) and eleven male care workers (15.8%) participated in the study, with an average age of 52 years, experiencing 3 years and 8 months. Several areas exhibited statistical significance; understanding and managing depression and anxiety (2.175*), supporting leisure activities(2.956**), implementing abuse prevention behaviors (3.187**), creating a safe environment(2.496**), assisting with mobility(2.978**), aiding in illness management(2.805**), transferring responsibilities(2.726**), documenting cases(2.238*), and overseeing caregiver health and safety(2.805*). Based on our findings, we have devised a plan to incorporate the following content within the additional 80 hours. In a broader context, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on caregiver education and training in South Korea.

DECISION-MAKING CAPACITY ASSESSMENTS FOR VULNERABLE ADULTS: LESSONS FOR SOCIAL WORK COMPETENCY

Abstract Social work approaches to the assessment of decision-making capacity (DMC) assessment have largely been informed by literature from 25 years ago. Evidence-based practices include the ACED short version and the IDA-CA 3.0. When considering this specific practice by social workers there is the UK policy supporting competent practice through legislation, the Mental Capacity Act (2017) of England and Wales. Nine practitioners practicing through guidance presented by this policy were interviewed to learn what may support practices in the United States. Findings point to the importance of foundational values and efforts to optimize the vulnerable adult’s performance. Practical methods used in the assessment are gleaned, along with the training that has informed their work. Training advice included didactic, case review, and role-playing of increasingly complex cases. Experience working with diverse populations of vulnerable adults was also highlighted. This research strives to inform steps that enhance capacity within health and social care settings to adequately assess DMC. Understanding decision-making ability aids in preventing both paternalism and the insufficiency of support and/or protection.

A MODEL OF THE TWO-LEVEL SYSTEM FOR FORMING INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION COMPETENCE OF STUDENTS IN GENERAL SECONDARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

The work systematizes the authors’ experience of using information technologies in the educational process of a general secondary education institution and presents the authors’ model of effective development of students' information and communication competence based on it. A model of a two-level system of formation of information and communication competence of students in the educational process has been developed. At the first level of the model, teachers use information tools during lessons to form students' basic knowledge and skills. At the second level, information technologies are used by teachers in extracurricular activities as a tool for creating creative products of students (in particular, scientific research works, educational projects, posters, presentations, video demonstrations), as well as their own developments (pedagogical technologies, teaching aids, etc.), which contributes to the formation of students' comprehensive ability to apply acquired knowledge and skills in practice, and, therefore, information and communication competence. To implement the first level of the proposed model, a comparative analysis of the most common information tools was conducted, the results of which are presented using original schemes. Information tools that ensure high-quality educational process at the "Cossack Lyceum" were subject to analysis: learning management systems – Google Classroom and NZ.UA; video conferencing platforms - Zoom and Google Meet; online boards – Jamboard, IDroo and Flinga; tools for creating information content – Google Presentations, Canva, Prezi and Microsoft Sway; software for simulating natural processes – Phet and Mozaik Education; tools for creating interactive exercises – Mentimeter, Kahoot, Wordwall, Live Worksheets and Learning Apps. The implementation of the second level of the model is shown on the example of a student's creative product created by participating in the competition of the Small Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. We associate promising directions for further research with the development of methodological recommendations for the use of information and communication technologies at various stages of students' creative activity.

DISTANCE EDUCATION OF JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

A model of a two-level system of formation of information and communication competence of students in the educational process has been developed. At the first level of the model, teachers use information tools during lessons to form students' basic knowledge and skills. At the second level, information technologies are used by teachers in extracurricular activities as a tool for creating creative products of students (in particular, scientific research works, educational projects, posters, presentations, video demonstrations), as well as their own developments (pedagogical technologies, teaching aids, etc.), which contributes to the formation of students' comprehensive ability to apply acquired knowledge and skills in practice, and, therefore, information and communication competence.

Developing the theoretical model of Chinese physical education teachers' health communication competence: based on grounded theory.

Physical education teachers' health communication competence is a key factor in health promotion. Although health communication is a multidisciplinary field, medical practitioners are the primary focus of health communication research, whereas physical education teachers are marginalized. Therefore, this study proposes a theoretical model of health communication competence for physical education teachers. This qualitative research utilized interviews as the primary data collection method. Purposeful sampling was employed to select participants, including university teachers, primary and secondary school teachers, and health education professionals from diverse regions of China. A total of 31 participants were interviewed through two focus groups (N = 15) and individual semi-structured interviews (N = 16). Grounded theory was used to analyze and code the collected interview materials. The health communication competence of physical education teachers consisted of three main categories, 10 subcategories, 30 concepts, and 240 statement labels. The three main categories were as follows: (i) foundations of health communication knowledge and skills (this category encompassed three subcategories, namely sport and health knowledge reserve, health beliefs, and health behaviors); (ii) health communication perception competence (this category included two subcategories, namely health risk and crisis perception competence and communication audience perception competence); and (iii) practical competence of health communication (this category consisted of five subcategories, namely language expression competence, organizational and design competence, utilization of new media tools competence, communication content selection and processing competence, and professional skills). The theoretical model of health communication competence in this study provides a foundation for the involvement of physical education teachers in health communication work. It can serve as a reference for the development of both pre-service health education courses and in-service training systems for physical education teachers. Future research can expand the sample size and geographic coverage to further validate the applicability of the findings. Additionally, investigating the factors influencing the formation of the identified competencies is recommended.

Cultural competence in NHS hearing aid clinics: a mixed-methods case study of services for Deaf British sign language users in the UK

BackgroundThis study identified and explored how National Health Service (NHS) hearing aid clinics address cultural competence concerning Deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users. This was approached by (i) investigating how organisational processes meet the needs of Deaf signers from a hospital and hearing aid clinic perspective, (ii) analysing policies and guidelines to investigate if they equip practitioners to meet the needs of Deaf signers and (iii) exploring with practitioners who work in hearing aid clinics about their experiences of working with Deaf signers.MethodsThis study utilised a mixed-methods multiple case study design, incorporating documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews. Interview analysis was conducted using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA). The research encompassed two hearing aid clinics in separate hospitals, producing 19 documents and eight interviews (four at each site) with audiologists ensuring a representative mix of professional experience levels.ResultsFour themes emerged from the integrated analysis: (1) Understanding Deaf signers; (2) Communicating with Deaf signers; (3) Barriers and Facilitators and (4) Service improvement. A noticeable gap in understanding BSL as both a language and a cultural system was apparent across various policies, strategies, training programmes and staff expertise. Over-reliance on interpreters provided a false sense of accessibility and most participants felt tentative to engage directly with Deaf signers. Positive practices observed at Sites A and B encompassed accurate identification of patients as Deaf signers, improved interpreter availability, communication methods, enhanced training and the encouragement of professional self-awareness.ConclusionThis is the first study that explores cultural competence of hearing aid clinics and its staff concerning Deaf signers in the UK. The results show both clinics require development to become an effective provider for culturally Deaf signers. Examples of how to design culturally competent practices have been provided to assist hearing aid clinics. The findings may be applicable to other underrepresented groups who are not typical users of conventional, acoustic hearing aids provided by the NHS.

МІЖПРЕДМЕТНА ІНТЕГРАЦІЯ ПРИ РЕАЛІЗАЦІЇ STEM-ПРОЄКТІВ

The article explores various types of interdisciplinary integrations for the implementation of the STEM approach and STEM projects. The following approaches are analyzed: interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, cross-disciplinary, and transdisciplinary. As an example of interdisciplinary integration, the implementation of the STEM project «Smart Assistant for People with Visual Impairments» is considered. The device is based on the principle of measuring distance using ultrasound. This project can be classified as multidisciplinary since the fundamental knowledge is required to be obtained in physics lessons. The technological map of the project is presented, outlining the stages, timelines, resources, and roles of participants. The expected outcomes of the project for students in the development of practical skills and competencies are outlined. The material of the article can serve as a theoretical basis for further research on interdisciplinary STEM approaches and their practical application in the educational process. Additionally, a separate table outlines the main stages of project implementation, serving as an example for conducting project-based activities in educational institutions.

Competencies for Evaluation as a Civic Science

This paper relocates the practice of evaluation from its traditional intellectual home in the applied social sciences to an interdisciplinary intellectual community that draws on concepts and practices from civic studies, political science, and studies of coproduction and citizen engagement in public administration and management. It offers an overview of the competencies for evaluation practice once relocated in this way.

Development of Learning Models in Core Competency Practice Courses Department of Mechanical Engineering Education Manado State University

The learning process obtained from universities to develop students' soft skills is also influenced by practical experience in the field. To develop soft skills in students, they have been given theories and practices that support the lessons in higher education, so that students have experience that can be used as a basis when entering the world of work. This research aims to develop a practical learning model in the Department of Mechanical Engineering Education, Manado State University. This research is developing research to develop a practical learning model. The online practice development model uses six interactions, namely interactions between students and lecturers, students with material, lecturers with material, students with students, lecturers with other lecturers, and material with material, through synchronous/asynchronous media. The results of this research show that the product developed is very suitable to be implemented to support online practical learning for core courses in higher education. This research has produced an online learning model for core subject practice with a flexible blended learning strategy at a low cost for students of the Mechanical Engineering Education Study Program. The resulting conclusion is that this model has the advantage of being able to create an online collaborative work environment. Validation by experts is carried out qualitatively and quantitatively.

Teaching Military/Veteran Cultural Competence for Working with Veterans and Military Families: Effects on Student Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, Comfort, and Behavioral Intentions

There is a pressing need to prepare health professions students to work effectively with veterans and military families (VMFs). Instruction that includes elements of military/veteran cultural competence (MVCC), such as military culture and values and the range of issues that VMFs may confront during reintegration, seems essential to achieving this aim. In the present study, we examined the effects of teaching these topics on reported VMF knowledge, comfort, self-efficacy, and behavioral intentions concerning future VMF-focused practice among five cohorts of graduate students (N = 65). About three quarters of the students were civilians, and most had a personal military connection (past/current military service or family relationship) that motivated them to take the class. Results indicated significant course-related increases in VMF knowledge and anticipated comfort and self-efficacy in working with this population, and that increased knowledge was associated with increased comfort. Behavioral intention changes did not reach significance, which may be due to the high baseline level of motivation that students reported. This study demonstrates that knowledge-based elements of MVCC may be successfully taught even to those familiar with the military. Future research should examine whether this knowledge translates into the practice skills/attitudes needed for effective and culturally competent practice with VMFs.

Patterns and predictors of cultural competence practice among Nigerian hospital-based healthcare professionals

BackgroundBeing culturally competent would enhance the quality of care in multicultural healthcare settings like Nigeria, with over 200 million people, 500 languages, and 250 ethnic groups. This study investigated the levels of training and practice of cultural competence among clinical healthcare professionals in two purposively selected Nigerian tertiary hospitals.MethodsThe research was a cross-sectional study. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to recruit participants who completed the adapted version of Cultural Competence Assessment Instrument (CCAI-UIC). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, ANOVA, and multivariate linear regression.ResultsThe participants were mainly women (66.4%), aged 34.98 ± 10.18 years, with ≤ 5 years of practice (64.6%). Personal competence had a positive weak correlation with age (p < 0.001), practice years (p = 0.01), training (p = 0.001), practice (p < 0.001), and organisational competence (p < 0.001). There were significant professional differences in the level of training (p = 0.005), and differences in training (p = 0.005), and personal competence (p = 0.015) across levels of educational qualifications. Increasing practise years (p = 0.05), medical/dental profession relative to nursing (p = 0.029), higher personal (p = 0.013), and organisational (p < 0.001) cultural competences were significant predictors of the level of training. Male gender (p = 0.005), higher years in practice (p = 0.05), local language ability (p = 0.037), rehabilitation professionals relative to nursing (p = 0.05), high culturally competent practice (p < 0.001), higher training opportunities (p = 0.013), and higher organisational competence (p = 0.001) were significant predictors of higher personal competence.ConclusionAbout a third of the participants had no formal training in cultural competence. Incorporating cultural competence in the Nigerian healthcare professionals’ education curricula may enhance the quality of care in the multicultural setting.

Industrial and organisational psychology Master’s coursework and internship as enabler of employability

Orientation: The general goal of the professional industrial and organisational psychology (IOP) master’s coursework and internship programmes is to enable the qualifying student to contribute to organisational strategic and operational human resource practices and people behavioural dynamics, assessment, and intervention design.Research purpose: The study explored the perceived effectiveness of the professional IOP master’s coursework and internship programmes in qualifying intern psychologists as employable industrial and organisational psychologists (IOPs).Motivation for the study: Internships are a practical way for intern psychologists to operationalise their professional purpose, acquire key occupation-related skills and practise their professional capability in real-world work settings.Research approach/design and method: The sample involved South African intern psychologists specialising in IOP (n = 17). Qualitative research methods with thematic data analysis were employed.Main findings: Guided by self-determination theory, the findings suggested that the IOP master’s coursework and internship programmes promote holistic development and embed confidence in practical and theoretical competence on both a personal and a professional level. Intrinsic and autonomous motivation regarding the IOP’s role and identity are also crystallised while the importance of continuous personal and professional growth, as well as a good support network, are acknowledged.Practical/managerial implications: Understanding the intern IOPs experience and required competencies for employment may help to improve the design and development of the professional IOP master’s coursework and internship programmes.Contribution/value-add: The study especially emphasised the need to enhance the effectiveness and support offered within the professional IOP master’s coursework and internship programmes by incorporating the principles of self-determination theory.

An Investigation of Practical Skills Competencies of Early Childhood Care and Education Programmes

Childhood Development training does not guarantee quality provisioning in ECD centres for several reasons: a lack of proficient instruction during training; a lack of support to help assist the students with work; a lack of knowledge; and a lack of follow-up support after the training is complete to ensure constant implementation. That is why it is necessary to educate practitioners and to continuously supervise their progress to ensure that they implement the appropriate activities relevant to their daily programmes for children to reach their full potential. This study considers the perceptions of five ECCE practitioners based in Gauteng who completed a Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme at a Private Higher Education Institution (PHEI) in South Africa. The study will focus on Health, Safety and Nutrition, which forms part of the ECCE programme. A qualitative research approach was utilized. Semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis through triangulation for this study were developed according to the criteria of the Experiential Learning Theory for the assessment of the themes from the study. A case study of narrative approach was used to explore reflections and authentic experiences the practitioners endure. This was executed to consider if the hands-on activities integrated into early learning programmes are sufficient for real-world applications. Furthermore, to ascertain the transition difficulty of newly graduated practitioners into ECD centres and to establish if the insights and skills training has equipped these practitioners for an ECD centre. The hands-on practical skills training competencies in early learning before entering an ECD centre as a practitioner will inform the development of future programmes as well as policy.

Professional competence, personal occupational well-being, and mental workload of nurse educators – A cross-sectional study in four European countries

BackgroundNurse educators need a high level of professional competence to educate future health care professionals. Professional competence supports occupational well-being whilst high mental workload can undermine it. There is little existing research into nurse educators' professional competence, occupational well-being, mental workload, and the relationships between them, particularly in the European context. ObjectivesTo describe the professional competence, personal occupational well-being, and mental workload of nurse educators in four European countries, and to explore how the professional competence and mental workload of nurse educators relate to their personal occupational well-being. DesignCross-sectional study design with quantitative survey data. SettingNurse educators from Finland, Spain, Slovakia, and Malta. MethodsThe data were collected from 302 nurse educators through an online questionnaire which used the Health and Social Care Educator's Competence (HeSoEduCo) instrument. This contains 43 items which measure areas of professional competence. Statistical analysis involved descriptive and multivariate analysis. ResultsNurse educators self-assessed their overall professional competence as high. Competence in evidence-based practice was assessed as the highest whilst cultural competence was perceived to be the lowest of the six competence areas. Nurse educators perceived their levels of personal occupational well-being and the balance of mental workload as moderate. However, these levels varied between the four countries. Professional competence, more specifically administrative and curriculum competence, and a balanced mental workload were positively related to personal occupational well-being. ConclusionsThe educators who perceive themselves to have very good professional competence and a balanced mental workload are more likely to report high occupational well-being. The findings suggest that nurse educators' cultural competence needs to be strengthened and intervention research is needed to determine ways of reducing mental workload and increasing the occupational well-being of nurse educators.