Self-Perceived Clinical Competence of Nurses in Different Working Experiences: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Competence is an essential concept for measuring nurses’ performance in terms of effectiveness and quality. To this end, our analysis highlighted the process of acquiring competencies, their self-evaluation into clinical practice, and how their proficiency levels change throughout the nursing career. In detail, this research explored nurses’ perceived level of competence and the factors that influence it in different contexts. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire to assess the nursing participants’ perception of their competencies in different clinical settings was accomplished. Results: A descriptive and bivariate analysis was performed on 431 nurses. Most respondents assessed their level of competence to be higher than their roles required. The Kruskal–Wallis test confirmed that nursing experience was a relevant factor influencing nursing competencies. Conclusions: We suggest improving the competence of practicing nurses, using experience as a measurable effect of their development.