Exploration of Factors Influencing Nurse Competence Through Nursing Profile Analysis

BACKGROUND: Nurse competence is a combination of knowledge, performance, skills, and attitudes that are required in fulfilling one's role as a nurse. So far, few comprehensive studies have explored the influencing factors of nurse competence. METHOD: The competence levels of 160 RNs in a Chinese hospital were evaluated using a questionnaire method, and the relationship between competence results and nursing characteristics was analyzed. RESULTS: The competence of participating nurses was at a medium level. Among all the characteristics, education and staffing levels were two main factors influencing nurse competence. CONCLUSION: Quantity of nurses and quality of nursing service are two main issues facing the modern nursing system. The findings from this study provide useful information and suggestions on how to improve nurse competence to nurse industry personnel, including nurses, nursing employers, educators, and students. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2019;50(12):572-580.].