Factors Predicting Competency of Professional Nurses in Labor Room, Community Hospitals, Health Service Networks Region 12

Abstract

Objectives: This predictive research aimed to study the level of competency and factors predicting competency of professional nurses working in the labor room in community hospitals, Health Service Networks Region 12. Methods: Participants were 154 professional nurses working in labor room in community hospitals, Health Service Networks Region 12 with multi-stage sampling. Data were collected by questionnaires consisting of 1) demographic questionnaire, 2) emotional intelligence questionnaire, 3) workplace learning environment questionnaire, and 4) competency of professional nurse questionnaire. The content validities of the latter three questionnaires were judged by the 3 experts with the CVIs values of .98, .87 and .97 respectively. The reliabilities for the latter three questionnaires were tested using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, yielding the values of .92 .92 and .82 respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive
statistics and multiple regression. Results: The result showed that the competency of professional nurses in the labor room was at a very high level (M = 4.34, SD = .44). A regression model showed that emotional intelligence, workplace learning environment, and experience in the labor room together significantly predicted the competency of professional nurse in labor room with a coefficient of variation of 57 percent (Adjusted R² = .57, F = 41.31, p < .001). Conclusion: Nurse administrators can further apply the research findings to enhance competency of maternity nurses such as arranging workshop for improving emotional intelligent and developing workplace learning environment.