The Effect of Digital Competence on Nurses' Career Sustainability: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between digital competence (DC), nurses' career sustainability (CS), and the moderating role of family-supportive supervisory behavior. Background: Nurses' CS is crucial in promoting medical digital transformation in China. Thus, clarifying the influencing factors of nurses' CS has become a priority. Methods: This cross-sectional investigation was carried out in Anhui Province, China. Eight hundred and fifty-four nurses received self-administered questionnaires, which included the Digital Competence Questionnaire, Career Self-Efficacy Scale, Career Sustainability Scale, and Family-Supportive Supervisory Behavior Scale. A hierarchical regression analysis was used to test a hypothesized model. Results: Nurses' CS is significantly predicted by DC (r = 0.52, p < 0.01), and career self-efficacy (CSE) mediates this association (β = 0.682, p < 0.01). In addition, family-supportive supervisor behavior (FSSB) moderates the relationship between DC and CSE (β = 0.146, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our study investigates the positive impact of DC on nurses' CS at both the individual and organizational levels, identifies potential boundary conditions, and advances theoretical research on nurses' CS while providing a solid foundation for developing effective strategies to improve nurses' CS. Implications for Nursing Management: Hospital managers and leaders should focus on organizational support for nurses and their families, formulate intervention measures to increase nurses' DC and CSE, and improve their CS.