Factors Influencing Clinical Competence Among Nursing Students: Exploring Emotional Intelligence and Sleep Quality

Objective. This study aimed to investigate emotional intelligence (EI), sleep quality, and clinical competence among nursing students and identify factors associated with clinical competence. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 199 pre-final and final-year nursing students from a college in Northern India. Data were collected using validated questionnaires measuring EI (Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Scale), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and clinical competence (Clinical Competence Questionnaire). Results. Most students demonstrated high EI (56.3%) and good sleep quality (54.3%). EI was positively correlated with clinical competence (r=0.417, p<0.01) and negatively correlated with poor sleep quality (r=−0.173, p<0.05). Final-year students scored significantly higher on EI, clinical competence, and sleep disturbance than pre-final-year students. Multiple regression analysis identified academic year (β=0.208, p=0.002), EI (β=0.248, p<0.001), and sleep disturbance (β=−0.188, p=0.004) as significant predictors of clinical competence. Conclusion. EI and sleep quality are important factors associated with the clinical competence of nursing students. Incorporating EI training and sleep hygiene education into nursing curricula may help improve students' clinical performance and prepare them for professional practice.