Exploring factors associated with clinical competence among nursing students volunteering in Indigenous communities: a cross-sectional analysis

Structured volunteer service in Indigenous communities appears to enhance nursing students' clinical competence, likely through increased motivation and self-efficacy. Integrating such experiences into nursing education may better prepare students for diverse clinical settings and improve readiness to address community health disparities. Future curricula should consider systematically incorporating structured, culturally responsive volunteer programs. Longitudinal studies are recommended to assess the long-term impact on professional development and health outcomes in underserved populations.