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.
Greenberger
Haya
H
Department of Testing, Nursing Division, Israel Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel.
Reches
Hiba
H
Riba
Shoshana
S
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000451:nursing; D004507:Education, Nursing, Associate / Q000592:standards*; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000592:standards*; D004510:Education, Nursing, Diploma Programs / Q000592:standards*; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000451:nursing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000592:standards; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000592:standards; D020377:Self Efficacy; D017592:Skin Care / Q000451:nursing; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000451:nursing; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000451:nursing