Perceptions of New Graduate Nurses Regarding Their Competence in Nursing Skills

This descriptive and cross-sectional study was planned to investigate the perceptions of newly graduated nurses regarding their specific competences in a range of nursing practices and their needs for further training. Method: Data were collected between January 1 2008 and December 30 2008 for 124 newly graduated nurses starting work at a university hospital. The Clinical Practices Self-Assessment Tool was used for data collection. The senior ward nurse issued the tool to the nurses and explained the aims of the study 2 days after they first started work.Result: The nurses felt themselves most competent in the measurement of vital signs and hand washing, and least competent in disconnection of patients from mechanical ventilation and in the use of electronic devices. Conclusion: Newly trained nurses perceived themselves to be insufficiently prepared in several specific areas; this highlights the need for ongoing dialog between hospitals and educational establishments providing professional training for nurses