Evaluating the Impact of a 1-Year Internship Program on Professional Competence, Self-Efficacy, and Perceived Health...

Transitioning from academic education to clinical practice is challenging for newly graduated nurses. This study evaluated a 12-month culturally tailored internship on professional competence, self-efficacy, and perceived health among newly graduated Saudi nurses.

A longitudinal design with repeated measures was used to recruit 147 female Saudi newly graduated nurses who completed an internship program at two tertiary hospitals. Data were collected at beginning, 8 months, and completion of the program. The Nurse Professional Competence Scale-Short Form, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and self-reported health measures were used. Statistical analyses were conducted using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc comparisons.

Significant improvements were found in professional competence, especially in leadership, documentation, and administrative skills. Value-based care competence remained high. Self-efficacy and perceived health were also improved.

Culturally tailored internship programs are effective in enhancing newly graduated nurses' professional competence and perceived health. Such internship programs may effectively help to enhance training for practice-ready nurses.