Self-assessed competence of final-year nursing students

Aim: To examine the overall level of self-assessed competence of final-year nursing 'bachelors' degree students in the Czech Republic. In addition, the study aimed at the factors associated with the students' level of competence.Design: A cross-sectional observational study.Methods: Data were collected with the Czech version of the Nurse Competence Scale from 274 final-year nursing students of the bachelor's nursing program. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses.Results: Majority of the students (80.3%) assessed their level of competence as good or very good. The highest level of competence was assessed in the category of 'managing situations' (VAS mean 67.8) and 'work role' (VAS mean 67.2). Previous work experience in healthcare and successful supervisory experience had a positive association with self-assessed competence. Students who completed clinical placement during the COVID-19 pandemic assessed their level of competence as lower than students before the pandemic. No Patient or Public Contribution.

Automated summary

This study examined the self-assessed competence level of final-year nursing students in the Czech Republic and identified factors associated with their competence. The majority of students rated their competence as good or very good. The highest levels of competence were in managing situations and work role categories. Previous work experience and successful supervisory experience were positively associated with self-assessed competence. Students who completed clinical placement during the COVID-19 pandemic perceived their competence level to be lower than those before the pandemic.