Internationally educated nurses' perceptions of their clinical competence

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Workforce Assessment

Background:

• International nurses are crucial to healthcare systems.
• Assessing their self-perceived competencies is vital for effective integration and patient safety.
• Excelsior College has expertise in nursing education assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess international nurses' self-perceptions of nursing knowledge.
• To identify clinical needs of international nurses.
• To measure perceived proficiency in essential nursing practice areas.

Main Methods:

• Development and application of the Clinical Competency Survey.
• Measurement of perceived proficiency in physical assessment, care planning, medication administration, treatments, disease management, and technology use.
• Analysis of self-reported competency levels among international nurses.

Main Results:

• International nurses reported lower proficiency in cardiac assessment and interventions.
• Perceived competence in the use of technology was also lower.
• Higher self-perceived proficiency was noted in wound and skin management and general physical assessments.

Conclusions:

• International nurses' self-perceptions reveal specific areas of strength and weakness.
• Findings suggest a need for targeted educational interventions, particularly in cardiac care and technology.
• Addressing these perceived gaps can enhance the practice and integration of international nurses.