Do new graduates of registered nursing programs in Israel perceive themselves as technically competent?

BACKGROUND

Technical competency of graduate nurses is a much sought after commodity by nurse managers in this age of limited human nursing resources. Clinical coursework in nursing school should provide the graduate with the core skills necessary to function safely and competently in a variety of clinical sites.

METHODS

The research presented in this article examines the self-reported competency of 256 recent graduates of four different types of nursing programs in Israel, with respect to 53 technical skills. Information was collected via a structured questionnaire.

RESULTS

Graduates generally perceive themselves as competent, although levels of competence varied for the different skills. Type of nursing program, opportunity for skill practice in nursing school, and employment in a healthcare facility were found to be related to competency.

CONCLUSIONS

Suggestions for improvement in competency levels, such as the provision of more opportunities for practice, are offered based on the specific findings of this study and in light of previous research.