Digital Competence and Career Adaptability Among Nurses: The Parallel Mediating Roles of Technological Self-Efficacy...

The rapid digital transformation of healthcare systems requires nurses to continuously update their competencies to remain effective, adaptable, and resilient. Although digital competence, technological self-efficacy, and learning agility are recognized as key factors influencing career adaptability, the mechanisms connecting these constructs within nursing contexts remain underexplored.

This study investigated the relationship between digital competence and career adaptability among clinical nurses, with a focus on the mediating roles of technological self-efficacy and learning agility.

A cross-sectional, correlational design was employed, involving 307 nurses recruited from two specialized university hospitals using stratified sampling. Data were collected using validated instruments measuring digital competence, technological self-efficacy, learning agility, and career adaptability. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation modeling was utilized to test the hypothesized parallel mediation model, following STROBE reporting guidelines.

Nurses reported a moderate level of digital competence (M = 3.46, SD = 0.42) and technological self-efficacy (M = 3.64, SD = 0.46), while learning agility and career adaptability were rated high (M = 3.85, SD = 0.47; M = 4.50, SD = 0.43, respectively). Digital competence had significant positive direct effects on career adaptability (β = 0.185, p < 0.01), learning agility (β = 0.184, p < 0.01), and technological self-efficacy (β = 0.254, p < 0.001). Both learning agility (β = 0.167, p < 0.01) and technological self-efficacy (β = 0.236, p < 0.001) were also significant predictors of career adaptability. Moreover, digital competence exerted significant indirect effects on career adaptability through technological self-efficacy (β = 0.060, p < 0.05) and learning agility (β = 0.031, p < 0.05).

Digital competence emerged as a fundamental determinant of nurses' career adaptability, operating directly and indirectly through technological self-efficacy and learning agility. These findings highlight the importance of fostering digital readiness and adaptive learning among nurses. Nursing leaders should prioritize professional development initiatives to enhance workforce adaptability and sustain effective practice in technology-driven healthcare environments.