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Newly Qualified Nurses’ Perception of Their Competency Achievement on Leaving University: A Qualitative Study

Author

Listed:
  • Olga María López-Entrambasaguas

    (Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas s/n, 23071 Jaén, Spain)

  • Rocío Martínez-Yebenes

    (Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas s/n, 23071 Jaén, Spain)

  • María José Calero-García

    (Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas s/n, 23071 Jaén, Spain)

  • José Granero-Molina

    (Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine Department, Faculty of Education Sciences, Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Almería, Carretera de Sacramento s/n, 04120 Almería, Spain
    Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 4780000, Chile)

  • José Manuel Martínez-Linares

    (Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas s/n, 23071 Jaén, Spain)

Abstract

Background : After implementing the Tuning Educational Structures in Europe Project, numerous efforts have been made to define, establish, and evaluate nursing competences. The European Federation of Nurses Association played a key role in enacting the nursing competences included in Directive 2013/55/EU. Nevertheless, assessing competences remains elusive, and there is little research into nurses’ perceptions of the competency training provided by their universities. The purpose of the study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of newly qualified nurses about the competences they acquired during their university education. Methods : A qualitative research study was developed in a Spanish university. Twelve semi-structured interviews with newly qualified nurses were conducted, and two focus groups made up of twelve students were carried out in order to triangulate the results. Participants were recruited through email contact. Interviews focused on clinical training, theoretical content, and the reality of healthcare. Data was analyzed thematically. Results : Two main themes emerged: (1) improving theoretical content and (2) rethinking practical lessons and clinical training. A lack of knowledge about mental health, pharmacology, or critical care has been found; in addition, it was highlighted, among others, the need to improve communication skills in difficult and conflictive situations. Conclusions : Considering the participants’ perception of deficiency in some aspects of most of the competences established by the European Federation of Nurses Association, further research has been suggested to include other stakeholders’ views.

Suggested Citation

  • Olga María López-Entrambasaguas & Rocío Martínez-Yebenes & María José Calero-García & José Granero-Molina & José Manuel Martínez-Linares, 2019. "Newly Qualified Nurses’ Perception of Their Competency Achievement on Leaving University: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-13, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:21:p:4284-:d:283520
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Martin Charette & Johanne Goudreau & Anne Bourbonnais, 2019. "Factors influencing the practice of new graduate nurses: A focused ethnography of acute care settings," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(19-20), pages 3618-3631, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Olga María López-Entrambasaguas & María José Calero-García & Ana María Díaz-Meco-Niño & José Manuel Martínez-Linares, 2019. "Quality Assurance in Nursing Education: A Qualitative Study Involving Students and Newly Graduated Nurses," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-11, December.

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