Nursing Student Competencies for Clinical Practice in Caring of Patients Admitted to Integrated Nursing Care Service Units

This study aimed to identify the core competencies for nursing students to deliver effective clinical care in integrated nursing care service units.A cohort of 31 nursing students participated, with data collection conducted over three months, from September 5 to November 29, 2024.Participants documented their clinical experiences through self-reflection journals, which were analyzed using qualitative content analysis to extract key themes and insights.The analysis produced 73 open codes, which were subsequently organized into 22 subcategories, 8 general categories, and 3 overarching themes.To ensure methodological rigor and validity, the study assessed factual accuracy, consistency, neutrality, and applicability criteria.The three emergent themes identified were: 'supporting patient activities,' 'understanding integrated patient care,' and 'preparation for self-directed practice.'The findings emphasize the need for nursing students to receive structured guidance and experiential learning opportunities to develop competencies within integrated nursing care settings.The study highlights the importance of reinforcing pre-practice education to better prepare students before entering clinical practice.Additionally, establishing clear role definitions is recommended to help students understand their scope of practice, increasing their confidence in patient care activities.Furthermore, diversifying the clinical practice environment through exposure to varied case experiences and interdisciplinary collaboration can enhance students' adaptability and problem-solving skills.By implementing these recommendations, nursing education programs can more effectively equip students with the necessary competencies to excel in integrated nursing care service units, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes.