A survey study on the professional core competence and its influencing factors among nurses in a hospital in Macau

Objective: This study aims to explore the status of professional core competence among nurses in a hospital in Macau and identify its influencing factors. The findings will help to provide evidence for nursing managers to develop interventions for enhancing nurses' professional core competence. Methods: A cross-sectional research design was utilized, and a survey was conducted in 2021. A total of 345 clinical nurses were recruited from a hospital in Macau using convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Competency Inventory for Registered Nurses (CIRN) and the Social Support Rate Scale (SSRS). Demographic information, including age, length of employment, and educational background, etc., was obtained through a short questionnaire. Results: The average score for core competence among the nurses was 156.5±25.82 (total score of 220), indicating a moderately high level. Statistically significant effects on professional core competence were observed based on length of employment, gender, educational level, and department (p<0.05). The average score for social support was 40.21±7.29 (total score of 66), reflecting an average level. A weak positive correlation was found between nurses' core competence and social support (r=0.217, p<0.05). Conclusion: The level of professional core competence among nurses is unsatisfactory and is influenced by personal factors and the work environment. The development of interventions to enhance nurses’ core competence should consider both personal and social factors. Such context-specific interventions can lead to improvements in nurses’ core competence and ultimately enhance patient care.