Analysis of the Effects of Nursing Students' Competencies and Attitudes Towards the Nursing Profession on Their Attitudes Towards Clinical Practice

Abstract

Background Nursing education encompasses both theoretical knowledge and clinical practice. Nursing students can find the opportunity to increase their competences by applying the knowledge they have learnt in theoretical education in clinical practice. A multitude of factors influence the efficacy of clinical practice. It is expected that students will develop professional competencies before graduation and cultivate a positive attitude towards the nursing profession and clinical practice.Objective The objective of this study is to examine the influence of nursing students' competencies and their attitudes toward the profession on their attitudes toward clinical practice.Methods The study employed a correlational design. This study was conducted in a hospital between February 27 and August 25, 2023, and included 585 nursing students who agreed to participate in the study. The study used the Nursing Students' Attitudes towards Clinical Practices Scale, the Attitude Scale for Nursing Profession, and the Competency Inventory of Nursing Students as data collection tools together with the Descriptive Information Form. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the research data.Results The study revealed that nursing students' competencies and attitudes toward the profession influence their attitudes toward clinical practices.Conclusion Nursing students' attitudes and competencies towards the profession should be taken into consideration throughout their education to enhance the efficacy and quality of clinical practice.