Self-perceived competence and its related factors in nursing students at graduation: the role of self-efficacy.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the level of perceived competence and explore the predictors of competence in nursing students at graduation.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with students at the point of graduation (n=239). A sociodemographic form and three different scales assessing students' competence, self-efficacy, and self-reflection and insight were used to collect data. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to assess students' satisfaction (i.e., the role as nursing students in the nursing program), job-related stress (i.e., perceived stress related to nursing program), and coping behaviors. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and hierarchical linear regression.

Results: The mean scores of perceived competence, self-reflection, insight, and self-efficacy were 5.25 ± 0.96 (range: 1-7), 54.51 ± 7.83 (range: 12-96), 33.36 ± 5.40 (range: 8-48), 84.13 ± 12.27 (range: 0-100), respectively. Self-efficacy was the most significant associated factor of the entire group of variables in competence.

Conclusions: Scores of perceived competence of students were optimistic. Self-efficacy was the most important factor affecting competence; that is, the greater the self-efficacy, the better the perceived competence.