Factors associated with perceived competency levels of graduating seniors in a baccalaureate nursing program

Factors hypothesized to affect perceived competency levels of graduating seniors were examined in three classes from a BSN program in a large southeastern university (N = 204). Although externship participation was unrelated to perceived competency, employment in a health care setting during the nursing program was positively related. Trait anxiety and social support were also significantly related to competency. A pervasive theme in both quantitative and qualitative data was students' desire for more practice of technical skills. Students also expressed the desire for more positive feedback from faculty. There are a number of implications of these findings, including curricular modifications, identification and intervention with highly anxious students, and increased faculty caring and support. Given the rigor of the professional nursing role, we owe it to our graduates to send them into the work arena with a healthy sense of self-confidence.