[Competency of newly qualified nurses following completion of the 4-year diploma program]

The purpose of this study was to determine the competency of newly qualified nurses practitioners in a curative setting after completion of the 4 Year Diploma Course at Otto du Plessis Nursing College. The respondents evaluated their skills and abilities by completing a questionnaire which was developed by the research committee after consultation with the services. The need to assess competency comes from the desire to have a relevant curriculum enabling the newly qualified nurse to practice in a variety of health settings at all levels of care. The degree of competency related to practice in a curative setting was selected for particular attention because most newly qualified nurses in the target group were still employed in a curative milieu. Findings revealed various deficits or inadequacies in competency levels and recommendations were made to adapt the curriculum.