Validating the Nurse Professional Competence Scale with Australian baccalaureate nursing students

BackgroundProfessional competence is necessary to enhance patients’ quality of care and safety, however not much is known about nursing students’ perceptions of their professional competence at the point of graduation, particularly in the Australian context.AimTo validate the Nurse Professional Competence (NPC) Scale in the Australian context and explore graduating nursing students’ perceptions of their own competence and their suggestions to improve their learning experience.MethodA cross-sectional survey incorporating the NPC Scale was conducted with nursing students at the point of graduation at one large Australian University.ResultsFifty-six graduating nursing students completed the NPC Scale. Scale reliability measured via Cronbach’s alpha was 0.96. Almost 80% of students felt confident with their nursing skills and felt that the nursing program had prepared them for a graduate position as a registered nurse. Students reported their highest competence was in Value-based Nursing Care (m = 89.4) and Documentation & Administration of Nursing Care (m = 86.7), and the lowest were Development, Leadership & Organisation of Nursing Care (m = 80.9) and Care Pedagogy (m = 83.0). Students’ most common suggestion to improve the learning experience was to provide additional clinical workplace experience.DiscussionThe NPC Scale demonstrated excellent reliability in the Australian context. The areas that scored highest and lowest on the NPC were congruent with findings using this instrument in other countries.ConclusionFurther validation of the NPC Scale should include a larger sample that includes both graduating nursing students from multiple universities as well as registered nurses and incorporates confirmatory factor analysis.     

Perceived professional preparedness of senior nursing students' questionnaire: Development and psychometric evaluation

BackgroundNursing students' perceptions of their professional preparedness help them perform their independent nursing role with self-confidence.ObjectivesTo develop and psychometric testing of an instrument, the “Perceived Professional Preparedness of senior Nursing Students” questionnaire.DesignMixed-method exploratory study.MethodsWe conducted this study in two phases: (1) development of initial questionnaire through interview and literature review; (2) evaluation of psychometric properties of the instrument to introduce a reliable, valid tool.Settings and participantsWe assessed qualitative and quantitative face validity of initial questionnaire by administering it to 10 nursing students. Then, a panel of 10 nursing specialists determined the Content Validity Index. After modifying items, we assessed the construct validity of the 45-item questionnaire. A sample of 159 senior nursing students completed the questionnaire, and we conducted exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis using this data. To assess the test-retest reliability, 30 students completed the instrument twice with a two-week time interval.ResultsThe Content Validity Index with the modified Kappa coefficient was calculated as ≥0.72, which is considered satisfactory. In exploratory factor analysis using the maximum likelihood method and varimax rotation, we extracted 19 items in four factors. This structure included 61.91% of the total variance. The factors were clinical competency, evidence-based practice, framework-oriented performance, and patient-centered care. Cronbach's alpha coefficient and McDonald's omega values higher than 0.70 and inter-class correlation coefficient above 0.90 for all factors confirmed reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a suitable fitting of the final developed model.ConclusionThe developed questionnaire is a valid, reliable tool to assess the perceived preparedness of senior nursing students for transition to the clinical setting. Further psychometric testing for this questionnaire on larger populations and in different contexts is suggested.     

The Turkish version of the Casey-Fink Readiness for Practice Scale: A validity and reliability study

AimThe aim was to translate and adapt the Casey-Fink Readiness for Practice Scale (CFRPS) into Turkish and assess its validity and reliability for senior nursing students.BackgroundNursing students’ readiness for practice is important for quality nursing care and to support new graduate nurses and orient them quickly for their professional life. Nurse educators and nurse managers are responsible for develop nursing students’ and new graduate nurses’ readiness for practice. Currently, there is no valid and reliable tool to assess this metric for senior nursing students in Turkey.DesignThe study was conducted using a methodological approach.MethodsThe sample of the study consisted of 179 students who were enrolled in the last year of nursing school across three state universities in one region of Turkey. A socio-demographic form and the Turkish version of the CFRPS were used for data collection. Data were collected online between 12 April – 17 May 2021. Content validity was assessed using expert approval. Confirmatory factor analysis, exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were used to assess validity. Cronbach's alpha and test–retest were performed to assess reliability.ResultsNursing students’ mean age was found to be 22.3 ± 1.12. The content validity index of the scale was calculated as 0.94. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis identified 15 items, which could be categorized under one factor, that were obtained differently from the original scale. The factor loads were found to be between 0.39 and 0.70. The Cronbach's alpha of the scale was 0.881. One factor model achieved a good fit.ConclusionsThe study demonstrated that the Turkish version of the CFRPS is a valid and reliable assessment tool to evaluate senior nursing students’ readiness for practice. Information in the Turkish version of the CFRPS was obtained differently from the original scale. Nurse educators can use this tool to assess their students’ progress in readiness for practice before they graduate.     

Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of motivation for nursing student scale (MNSS): A quantitative and cross-sectional design

BackgroundAcademic motivation is the psychological factor that promotes learning activities. The persistence of learning activities in nursing education is directly influenced by academic motivation. However, there are currently no specialist instruments for nursing students in China.ObjectiveTo translate the Motivation for nursing student scale (MNSS) into Chinese and evaluate its validity and reliability among nursing students in China.DesignA quantitative and cross-sectional design.SettingThe survey was conducted at a medical university in Jinzhou, China between March and May 2022.ParticipantsA total of 688 Chinese nursing students were surveyed by questionnaire in this study.MethodThe Chinese version of MNSS adopted Brislin's transition model and conducted expert consultations to validate the facial validity and testing of the transition version. Reliability and validity were tested using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and internal consistency reliability.ResultsNursing experts confirm the high content validity of the Chinese version of the 20-item scale. An exploratory factorial analysis revealed a four-factor solution, with a total variance of 64.1% and confirmatory factor analysis results showed a satisfactory fit (χ2/df=2.738, RMSEA =0.073, SRMR = 0.0719, CFI = 0.914, IFI = 0.915, NFI =0.872, RFI =0.849,). Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the scale was 0.869, and the split-half reliability is 0.727.ConclusionThe Chinese version of MNSS has satisfactory reliability and validity and is a reliable instrument to assess the academic motivation of Chinese nursing students.     

Development of the Nursing Practice Readiness Scale for new graduate nurses: A methodological study

AimTo develop a scale to assess nursing practice readiness and verify its validity and reliability.BackgroundPractice readiness refers to the attitude and characteristics of new employees that enable them to successfully adapt to the workplace. For new graduate nurses to receive on-the-job training appropriate to their individual competency level, a scale to assess nursing practice readiness is needed.DesignA methodological study was conducted in two phases: (1) development of the scale through a literature review and interviews related to nursing practice readiness; (2) confirming construct validity, criterion-related validity and reliability of the developed scale.MethodsData were collected from 430 new graduate nurses in South Korea. The validity and reliability of the scale were verified using maximum likelihood exploratory factor analysis with promax factor rotation, confirmatory factor analysis using maximum likelihood estimation, Pearson correlation, analysis of variance and Cronbach’s alpha.ResultsThe Nursing Practice Readiness Scale consisted of 35 items for five factors: clinical judgment and nursing performance, professional attitudes, patient-centeredness, self-regulation and collaborative interpersonal relationship. Confirmatory factor analysis results revealed an adequate model fit. Construct validity and criterion-related validity were verified and all factors achieved a Cronbach’s α greater than 0.80.ConclusionsThe developed scale can evaluate educational outcomes and determine the need for additional support, which can improve the workplace adaptation of new graduate nurses, patient safety and quality of care.     

Development of the Holistic Nursing Competence Scale

This study developed a scale to measure the nursing competence of Japanese registered nurses and to test its psychometric properties. Following the derivation of scale items and pilot testing, the final version of the scale was administered to 331 nurses to establish its internal consistency, as well as its construct and criterion-related validity. Using an exploratory and a confirmatory factor analysis, 36 items with a five-factor structure were retained to form the Holistic Nursing Competence Scale. These factors illustrate nurses' general aptitude and their competencies in staff education and management, ethical practice, the provision of nursing care, and professional development. The Scale has a positive correlation with the length of clinical experience. A Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.967. The Scale is a reliable and valid measure, helping both nurses and organizations to correctly evaluate nurses' competence and identify their needs for professional development.     

Development and validation of the simulation-based learning evaluation scale

BackgroundThe instruments that evaluate a student's perception of receiving simulated training are English versions and have not been tested for reliability or validity.PurposeThe aim of this study was to develop and validate a Chinese version Simulation-Based Learning Evaluation Scale (SBLES).MethodsFour stages were conducted to develop and validate the SBLES. First, specific desired competencies were identified according to the National League for Nursing and Taiwan Nursing Accreditation Council core competencies. Next, the initial item pool was comprised of 50 items related to simulation that were drawn from the literature of core competencies. Content validity was established by use of an expert panel. Finally, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted for construct validity, and Cronbach's coefficient alpha determined the scale's internal consistency reliability. Two hundred and fifty students who had experienced simulation-based learning were invited to participate in this study.ResultsTwo hundred and twenty-five students completed and returned questionnaires (response rate = 90%). Six items were deleted from the initial item pool and one was added after an expert panel review. Exploratory factor analysis with varimax rotation revealed 37 items remaining in five factors which accounted for 67% of the variance. The construct validity of SBLES was substantiated in a confirmatory factor analysis that revealed a good fit of the hypothesized factor structure. The findings tally with the criterion of convergent and discriminant validity. The range of internal consistency for five subscales was .90 to .93. Items were rated on a 5-point scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that the SBLES is valid and reliable. The authors recommend that the scale could be applied in the nursing school to evaluate the effectiveness of simulation-based learning curricula.     

护理信息能力量表的编制及信度效度检验

目的 :旨在研制出一套适合我国国情并体现护理专业学科特征,同时具有较高信度、效度的护理信息能力量表。方法 :综合利用定性与定量相结合的方法,构建护理信息能力评价指标体系,形成护理信息能力量表的雏形;利用多种统计方法对量表进行信度、效度检验。结果 :构建了包含5个维度32个条目的护理信息能力量表,总量表的Cronbach’sα系数为0.947;探索性因子分析结果显示编制的量表具有较好的结构效度;内容效度CVI指数为0.957,验证性因子分析结果证明模型拟合较好(χ2/df=0.293、AGFI=0.82、RMSEA=0.06、RMR=0.04、CFI=0.91)。结论 :研制的护理信息能力量表具有较好的信度及效度,为临床护理人员护理信息能力的测评提供了客观、科学的评价工具。     

Development and Psychometric Validation of the Nursing Self-Efficacy Scale for Managing Cancer Treatment-Induced Cardiotoxicity: An Exploratory Mixed-Method Study

ObjectiveAssessing nursing self-efficacy could be strategic to sustain nursing competence. This study aimed to develop and validate the nursing self-efficacy scale for managing cancer treatment-induced cardiotoxicity (NSS-CTC).Data SourcesAn exploratory mixed-method study was performed by including two main phases. The first comprised the developmental tasks to generate the initial pool of items, including a literature review and a consensus meeting based on a nominal group technique. The second phase initially involved an external panel of experts in assessing the content validity of the novel scale, followed by a cross-sectional data collection to perform exploratory factor analysis by employing a multicenter and convenience sampling approach. The most plausible psychometric structure derived from the exploratory factor analysis was tested with a confirmatory factor analysis using a second data collection round on another sample enrolled with a multicenter and convenience sampling approach. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alfa.ConclusionThe NSS-CTS is a novel 15-item self-report measure for assessing nurse self-efficacy in dealing with cancer treatment-related cardiotoxicity. Its two plausible domains were labeled knowledge-related self-efficacy (Cronbach's α = 0.924) and practice-related self-efficacy (Cronbach's α = 0.937); the factor analyses in both samples showed adequate fit to sample statistics. Future studies are necessary to corroborate its construct validity and assess its measurement invariance across various country contexts.Implications for Nursing PracticeAssessing nursing self-efficacy for managing cancer treatment-induced cardiotoxicity is a promising approach for identifying educational gaps and promoting nursing competency in this particular area of cancer care.     

Development and evaluation of the Directive and Nondirective Support Scale for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

ObjectivesThis study aims to develop the Directive and Nondirective Support Scale for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (DNSS-T2DM) to measure diabetes-specific support and patients’ preference as well as evaluate the construct validity and reliability of the DNSS-T2DM.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Tongzhou District, Beijing, China from July to September 2015. A total of 474 participants who had been diagnosed as type 2 diabetes by physicians and completed the DNSS-T2DM were included. The original 11-item DNSS-T2DM contains five items on nondirective support (Items 1–5) and six items on directive support (Items 6–11). There were two parallel questions for each item with one to measure the preference for support (Preference part) and the other to measure the perception of support in reality (Reality part). The final DNSS-T2DM was determined based on the results of the exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The construct validity of the final DNSS-T2DM was evaluated by the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The reliability was evaluated by internal consistency with Cronbach’s α coefficients.ResultsA final 7-item DNSS-T2DM loaded on 2 factors with four items representing nondirective support and three items representing directive support was determined based on the EFA. The CFA indicated a satisfactory construct validity. The internal consistency of the 7-item DNSS-T2DM as well as the nondirective support items was satisfactory with Cronbach’s α ≥ 0.70.ConclusionsOur study supported the validity and reliability of the 7-item DNSS-T2DM. Further studies on the application of the DNSS-T2DM in different settings and population are needed.     

Development of the nursing practice scale for end-of-life family conferences in critical care

ObjectivesThis study aimed to develop the Nursing Practice Scale for End-of-life Family conferences in critical care and to clarify the current status of nursing practice regarding family conferences.Research methodology/designWe conducted a cross-sectional, self-administered questionnaire survey with 955 critical care unit nurses in 97 hospitals. Content validity, factor validity and criterion-related validity, known-group validity, internal consistency and test–retest reliability were evaluated. Data were then analysed statistically.SettingAdult intensive care units or high dependency units in Japan.ResultsThree factors with 39 items were extracted through item analysis and confirmatory factor analysis as hypothesised (Factor 1: Preparation, Factor 2: Discussion and Factor 3: Follow-up), and the mean score per item for each factor was 3.57, 3.73 and 3.75, respectively. Nurses who had any certification or had worked in critical care unit for >5 years had a significantly greater score than the others. The Cronbach’s α were 0.86–0.96 and the intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.79–0.87.ConclusionThe Nursing Practice Scale for End-of-life Family conferences in critical care is a valid and reliable scale. This study could effectively facilitate communication among patients, their families and healthcare providers.     

Development of the Nurses’ Care Coordination Competency Scale for mechanically ventilated patients in critical care settings in Japan: Part 2 Validation of the scale

ObjectivesTo confirm the validity and reliability of the nurses' care coordination competency draft scale for mechanically ventilated patients in Japan.Design/MethodIn this cross sectional observational study, a draft scale measuring care coordination was distributed to 2189 nurses from 73 intensive care units in Japan from February–March 2016. Based on the valid 887 responses, we examined construct validity including structural validity (exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis), convergent and discriminant validity and internal consistency reliability.Settings73 Intensive care units.ResultsExploratory factor analyses yielded four factors with 22 items: 1) promoting team cohesion, 2) understanding care coordination needs, 3) aggregating and disseminating information, 4) devising and clearly articulating the care vision. The four-factor model was confirmed using a confirmatory factor analysis (confirmatory fit index = 0.942, root mean square error of approximation = 0.062). Scale scores positively correlated with team leadership and clearly identified and discriminated nurses’ attributes. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for each subscale was between 0.812 and 0.890, and 0.947 for the total scale.ConclusionsThe Nurses’ Care Coordination Competency Scale with four factors and 22 items had sufficient validity and reliability. The scale could make care coordination visible in nursing practice. Future research on the relationship between this scale and patient outcomes is needed.     

临床护士老年护理能力评价量表的编制及信效度检验

目的 编制临床护士老年护理能力评价量表并对其进行信效度检验。方法 将德国以技术为导向的老年护理行为能力评估模型作为理论框架,通过文献分析、德尔菲专家函询及小样本预试验形成量表初稿。选取2 067名护理人员进行预调查,其中500名护理人员的预调查数据用于项目分析,筛选量表条目,1 567名护理人员的预调查数据用于对正式版量表的信效度检验。结果 形成的临床护士老年护理能力评价量表包括3个一级条目,10个二级条目和43个三级条目。通过探索性因子分析提取3个公因子,累计方差贡献率为66.828%,总量表的Cronbach’s α系数为0.978,折半信度为0.902,重测信度为0.802,内容效度为0.980,验证性因子分析显示,该量表具有较好的结构效度。结论 临床护士老年护理能力评价量表具有良好的信效度,可作为评价我国临床护士老年护理能力的工具。     

Development and psychometric evaluation of the Core Nurse Resource Scale

simpson mr . (2010) Journal of Nursing Management 18, 1048–1059
Development and psychometric evaluation of the core nurse resource scale Background The Core Nurse Resource Scale was developed to further what we know about the relationship between the nursing work environment and quality outcomes. Aims To examine the factor structure, internal consistency reliability and concurrent-related validity of the Core Nurse Resource Scale. Methods A cross-sectional survey study design was used to obtain a sample of 149 nurses and nursing staff [Registered Nurse (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs) and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNAs)] working in long-term care facilities. Exploratory factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha and bivariate correlations were used to evaluate validity and reliability. Results Exploratory factor analysis yielded a scale with 18 items on three factors, accounting for 52% of the variance in scores. Internal consistency reliability for the composite and Core Nurse Resource Scale factors ranged from 0.79 to 0.91. The Core Nurse Resource Scale composite scale and subscales correlated positively with a measure of work engagement (r = 0.247–0.572). Conclusions The initial psychometric evaluation of the Core Nurse Resource Scale demonstrates it is a sound measure. Further validity and reliability assessment will need to be explored and assessed among nurses and other nursing staff working in other practice settings. Implications for nursing management The intent of the Core Nurse Resource Scale is to evaluate the presence of physical, psychological and social resources of the nursing work environment, to identify workplaces at risk for disengaged (low work engagement) nursing staff and to provide useful diagnostic information to healthcare administrators interested in interventions to improve the nursing work environment.     

Testing of a measurement model for baccalaureate nursing students' self-evaluation of core competencies

Title. Testing of a measurement model for baccalaureate nursing students’ self‐evaluation of core competencies. Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to test the psychometric properties of the Self‐Evaluated Core Competencies Scale for baccalaureate nursing students. Background.  Baccalaureate nursing students receive basic nursing education and continue to build competency in practice settings after graduation. Nursing students today face great challenges. Society demands analytic, critical, reflective and transformative attitudes from graduates. It also demands that institutions of higher education take the responsibility to encourage students, through academic work, to acquire knowledge and skills that meet the needs of the modern workplace, which favours highly skilled and qualified workers. Methods.  A survey of 802 senior nursing students in their last semester at college or university was conducted in Taiwan in 2007 using the Self‐Evaluated Core Competencies Scale. Half of the participants were randomly assigned either to principal components analysis with varimax rotation or confirmatory factor analysis. Results.  Principal components analysis revealed two components of core competencies that were named as humanity/responsibility and cognitive/performance. The initial model of confirmatory factor analysis was then converged to an acceptable solution but did not show a good fit; however, the final model of confirmatory factor analysis was converged to an acceptable solution with acceptable fit. The final model has two components, namely humanity/responsibility and cognitive/performance. Both components have four indicators. In addition, six indicators have their correlated measurement errors. Conclusion.  Self‐Evaluated Core Competencies Scale could be used to assess the core competencies of undergraduate nursing students. In addition, it should be used as a teaching guide to increase students’ competencies to ensure quality patient care in hospitals.