Current Status of Core Competencies of Chinese Nurses in Burn Departments: A Latent Profile Analysis

To investigate the current status of NBDs' core competencies through latent profile analysis, identify potential subgroups and their population characteristics, and analyze the influencing factors of different categories.

NBDs are essential in the treatment and rehabilitation of burn patients. However, the core competencies of Chinese NBDs are seldom reported.

Our analyses were based on a cross-sectional and multicenter study of 267 Chinese NBDs. Latent profile analysis was employed to identify NBDs' core competence profiles using the NBD Core Competencies Self-rating Scale (NBD-CCSS). We then explored the characteristics among different profiles and determined socio-demographic variables associated with profile membership by conducting ANOVA, Chi-square test, and multinominal logistic regression analyses.

A 3-profile model provided the best fit. The three profiles were titled "skillful competencies" (Class 1, n = 77, 28.8%), "moderate competencies" (Class 2, n = 140, 52.4%), and "poor competencies" (Class 3, n = 50, 18.7%). Regression analysis suggested that professional title, years of employment, and BICU experience were influencing factors of NBDs' profile membership of core competencies. NBDs who were supervisor nurses or above (OR = 0.802, 95% CI: 0.009, 0.759), with more than 7 years of employment (OR = 0.091, 95% CI: 0.009, 0.906) and BICU experience (OR = 3.564, 95% CI: 1.423, 8.925) were more likely to fall into Class 1.

Our findings could provide evidence for nursing administrators to develop training programs to enhance NBDs' core competencies. In particular, variables associated with profile membership determined in the study may facilitate more tailored training strategies.