Critical evaluation of the newly qualified nurse's competency to practise--Part 1

The competence of the newly qualified nurse practitioner is questioned. Critical evaluation of the competency of the newly qualified nurse is performed by means of self evaluation as well as evaluation by the newly qualified nurse's supervisor. This study shows the relationship between competency of the newly qualified nurse and placement, orientation and guidance. Data analysis indicated that there is no significant relationship between the competency of the newly qualified nurse and placement and orientation. The importance of adequate guidance to the newly qualified nurse was quite clear.