Enhancing caring efficacy: The role of empathy (E) and caring needs in Nursing education

This study aimed to provide foundational insights for enhancing nursing students' caregiving effectiveness by exploring associations among caregiving needs, empathy (E), and caregiving efficacy. Data from nursing students in a Korean province were analyzed. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and ANOVA were used. Pearson's correlation assessed variable relationships. Mediation regression analyzed caregiving needs, empathy (E), and efficacy using the Baron and Kenny (1986) three-step approach. Caregiving efficacy was significantly associated with factors like motivation, academic grades, volunteer work, health, relationships, and major satisfaction. Empathy (E) showed a partial mediating effect between caregiving needs and efficacy. Acknowledging the influence of empathy (E) alongside caregiving needs is crucial for improving nursing students' caregiving effectiveness. Collaborative efforts are needed to create a conducive learning environment for acquiring and refining caregiving skills, enhancing efficacy.