The Clinical Competence and Related Factors of the Nursing Students: Focused on the Subjects who studied Problem-Based Learning

Purpose: This study was to evaluate clinical competence in relation to self-directed learning, critical thinking disposition, and participating in PBL(Problem-Based Learning) group activities of nursing students. Methods: Data were collected from 108 nursing students in Oct. 2006. Results: Clinical competence had a significant positive correlation with self-directed learning, critical thinking disposition, and participation in PBL group activities. There was a significant difference in clinical competence according to interpersonal relationship. Participation in PBL group activities was the most influential factor of clinical competence(R 2 =.34). Also, the influence of clinical competence increased with the addition of self-directed learning(R 2 =.42). Conclusion: It is essential to encourage the self-directed learning and participation in PBL group activities for the improvement of clinical competence. It is relatively important for clinical competence to consider the educational environment systematically.