Investigation of Nurse's Pressure Ulcer Management Self‐Efficacy Status and Influencing Factors: A Cross‐Sectional Study

This study aims to examine the self-efficacy levels of nurses in the management of pressure ulcers (PUs) and the demographic and professional factors affecting this. This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted with 436 nurses. Data were collected between January and April 2024, using the Nurse Identification Form and the Pressure Ulcer Management Self-Efficacy Scale (PUM-SES). In the study, the total mean score of the PUM-SES was found to be 58.77 ± 18.07 (min-max: 0-100). The mean scores of the sub-dimensions of the scale were assessment 57.54 ± 20.60, planning 59.14 ± 21.15, supervision 57.16 ± 21.86, decision making 60.02 ± 19.19 (min-max: 0-100). In addition, it was observed that the total scores of the PUM-SES were significantly higher for nurses who were 34 years old and older, had worked in the unit for 3 years or more and worked in intensive care clinics. Findings showed that nurses generally had a moderate PUM-SES score. Sociodemographic variables explained only 3.9% of the total variance. Age was significant in the sub-dimensions of surveillance (β = 0.241, p = 0.001) and decision-making (β = 0.162, p = 0.03); while the unit worked had a significant and negative effect on all sub-dimensions and the total score (β = -0.159, p = 0.001). The results obtained suggest that professional experience and the working environment may have an effect on the cognitive competence of nurses. Therefore, it is recommended that training programs be developed to support nurses' decision-making processes and professional competence.