Perceived clinical competence and its related factors among registered nurses employed at selected outpatient clinics in Egypt

Abstract

Introduction Nurses' clinical competence is a significant concern in all healthcare settings due to the necessity of delivering high-quality patient care. Understanding and addressing the factors related to competence are crucial for promoting nurses' clinical competence and ultimately improving patient outcomes. Producing and maintaining a skilled nursing workforce is essential to protect communities. Aim This study aimed to assess the level of self-evaluated clinical competence and its correlation with demographic and occupational variables among registered nurses employed at selected outpatient clinics in Egypt. Materials and methods The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design with a self-administered, two-part questionnaire that assessed participants' demographic and occupational variables as well as perceived clinical competence in various healthcare settings. It took place at outpatient clinics of two governmental hospitals and five primary healthcare centers in Mansoura City, Egypt between January, and June 2023. A purposive sample of 450 nurses took part in this study. Results The average score of nurses' clinical competence was 155.3±7.2 out of 230, indicating a "moderate level". In terms of professional behaviors and general performance, the average score for clinical competence was 48.4±3.6 and 40.7±4.1 respectively. Additionally, the average score for clinical competence regarding core and advanced nursing skills were 43.4±3.0 and 22.8±1.5 respectively. Among the domains of clinical competence, the highest average score was associated with "professional behaviors"as it forms the backbone of nursing practice. There was a highly significant relationship between the average score of clinical competence and the participant's age, sex, level of education, and years of clinical work experience (P<0.001). Conclusion Nurses perceived their level of clinical competence as moderate. To enhance nurses' clinical competence, future studies and interventions should focus on promoting supportive work environments, providing ongoing education and training in advanced nursing skills, and the fostering development of critical thinking skills in nurses. Recommendations Healthcare organizations should implement educational interventions to enhance nurses' clinical competence. These interventions should include continuous professional development opportunities, mentorship programs, inclusive training initiatives, and structured feedback mechanisms. These measures will help nurses stay up-to-date with the latest practices and technologies, create a supportive learning atmosphere, and address the unique needs and challenges faced by nurses of different genders and specialties.