Factors Related to Professional Nursing Competency Among Nursing Students at a University in the Eastern Region
Keywords:
Nursing competencies, nursing attitude, emotional quotient, grade point average, nursing studentsAbstract
The objectives of this descriptive correlational research were to examine nursing competencies
and factors related to nursing competencies. The sample consisted of 156 fourth-year nursing students
of the undergraduate program at a University in the Eastern area. The research instruments were
the Nurse Competence Questionnaire, the Nurse Attitudes Questionnaire, and the Thai Emotional
Intelligence Screening Test. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s productmoment correlation.
The results revealed that total nursing competency was at a high level (X̅ = 3.72, S.D. = 0.36).
Variables contributing to the high level of nursing competency were professional characteristics
of nursing (X̅ = 4.24, S.D. = 0.60), ethics, code of conduct, and the law ( X̅ = 4.20, S.D. = 0.55), and
social competency (X̅ = 3.98, S.D. = 0.71). Variables contributing to the moderate level of nursing
competency were leadership management and quality improvement (X̅ = 3.65, S.D. = 0.51), information
technology (X̅ = 3.64, S.D. = 0.52), communication and relationship ( X̅ = 3.63, S.D. = 0.47), core
nursing and midwifery practice (X̅ = 3.62, S.D. = 0.45), and academic and research competency
(X̅ = 3.39, S.D. = 0.47). Nursing attitude was at the excellence level (X̅ = 4.26, S.D. = 0.46).
Emotional quotient was at the normal level (X̅ = 166.59, S.D. = 13.37). Nursing attitude and
emotional quotient had signifcant positive correlations (r = .415, p <.01 r = .323, p <.01, respectively)
with nursing competency. However, there was no relationship between academic achievement (GPA)
and nursing competency. The results suggest that directors of nursing educational institutions and
nursing administrators should use the fndings to enhance nursing competency, nursing attitude and
emotional quotient among nursing students and new graduates.
References
Beauvais, A. M., Brady, N., O’Shea, E. R., & QuinnGriffin, M. T. (2011). Emotional intelligence and nursing performance among nursing students. Nurse Education Today, 31, 396-401.
Bloom, B.S. (1976). Human Characteristics and School Learning. New York: McGraw-Hill. p.219– 224.
Cohen, J. (1988). Statistical power analysis for the behavioral science. (2nd ed.). New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Do, E. S., & Seo, Y. S. (2014). Factors influencing clinical competence in nursing students. J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs, 21(3), 283 – 291.
Gagne, R. (1985). The Conditions of Learning. (4th ed.). New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston.
Good (1973). Dictionary of Education. 3rd ed. New York: Mc Grow Hill.
Goleman, D. (1998). Working with emotional intelligence. New York: Bantum Books.
Kajander-Unkuri, S. (2015). Nurse competence of graduating nursing students. Nurse Education Today, 35, 351 – 365.
Kooariyakul, A., Yodtawee, W., Intichoat, N., Naunthong, W., & Inpanao, W. (2012). Nursing attitude of nursing students in Boromrajchonnee Utaradit, Nursing College. Journal of Health Science Research, 6(1), 18 – 26. [In Thai]
Kunaviktikul, W., Sukontasan, A., Wangsrikoon, S., & Srepunapan, A. (2007). Review of nursing production system congruent with healthcare system and people’s healthcare needs. Chiengmai: Faculty of Nursing, Chiengmai University. [In Thai]
Mental Health Department. (2002). Development of emotional intelligence screening test for Thai people age 12 – 60. Bangkok: Bureau of Mental Health, Mental Health Department. [In Thai]
Morolong, B. G. & Chabeli, M. M. (2005). Competence of newly qualified registered nurses from a nursing college. Journal of the Democratic Nursing Organization of South Africa, 28(2), 38 – 50.
Moyo, S. E. & Sianga, R. M. (2017). Attitude influence and competency of the nursing process among higher diploma general nursing students of Kanye Seventh Day Adventist College of Nursing. JOGRESS, 9(2), 76 - 92.
Nuchsutham, W. (2016). Emotional quotient of nursing students, Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Rai College. Journal of Community Health Development, Khonkan University, 4(4), 505 – 519. [In Thai]
Por, J., Barriball, L., Fitzpatrick, J., & Roberts, J. (2011). Emotional intelligence: its relationship to stress, coping, well-being and professional performance in nursing students. Nurse Education Today, 31, 855 – 860.
Sanguansiritham, U. (2007). Nursing Profession Development. Chiengmai: Chang Puang Printing. [In Thai]
Srisatitnarakul, B. (2010). Nursing Research Methodology (5th ed.). Bandkok: You and I Intermedia, Ltd. [In Thai]
Sulosaari, V., Huupponen, R., Hupli, M., Puukka, P., Torniainen, K., & Leino-Kilpi, H. (2015). Factors associated with nursing students’ medication competence at the beginning and end of their education. BMC Medical Education, 15, 223 Retrived from Science Direct.
Talarico, J. F., Varon, A.J., Banks, S.E., Berger, J.S., Pivalizza, E.G., Medina-Rivera, G. Rimal, J.,… Metro, D.G. (2013). Emotional intelligence and the relationship to resident performance: a multi-institutional study. Journal of Clinical Anesthesia, 25, 181 -187.
Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council. (2013). Competencies of registered nurses (2nd ed.). Bangkok: Siriyoad Publishing. [In Thai]
Viphonephom, K. (2003). Attitude toward the nursing profession of nursing midwife students in college of health technology Vientiane, Lao people, s democratic republic. A thesis in master of science (public health nursing), Graduate studies, Mahidol University.
Walsh, C. M., & Seldomridge, L. A. (2005). Clinical grades: Upward bound. Journal of Nursing Education, 44(4), 162 – 168.
Winijkul, S. & Reansuwong, S. (2014). Relationship between attitude toward nursing profession, academic achievement and nursing practice competencies among graduate nurses from Kuakarun Faculty of Nursing. Kuakarun Journal of Nursing, 21(2), 113 – 125. [In Thai]
