Effect of A Competency-based Health Education Course on Technical Nursing Students' Academic Achievement and Self-confidence

Background: Technical nursing students are an integral part of nursing education as they are able to take on a variety of roles. Thus, it is imperative for them to possess competence in their field of practice, which can be ensured through competency-based education (CBE), an excellent technique for acquiring the essential nursing competencies. Objective: This study aims to determine the effect of a competency-based health education course on technical nursing student’s academic achievement and self- confidence. Settings: This study was conducted at El-Qabari Technical Nursing Institute, in El-Qabari Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt. Subjects: A convenient sample of 6o nursing students, who were enrolled in the health education course, evenly and randomly divided into two main groups; control and study. Tools: Three tools were used: Tool one, "Technical Nursing Students’ Knowledge Test", Tool two, “Technical Nursing Students’ Health Communication Skills Observational Rubric", and Tool three, “Technical Nursing Student’s Self-Confidence Scale". Results: The study showed a significant improvement in academic achievement and self-confidence in the study group more than in the control group. Conclusion: CBE is a powerful approach with several benefits and significant value for technical nurses. Recommendations: Competency-based approach should be integrated into nursing curricula; moreover, the culture of CBE should be popularized among all academics in nursing institutes and colleges using NARS.