The Relationship Between Professional Competency, Work Engagement and Perceived Future Employability in Nursing Students

Objective.To examine the relationship between professional competency, work engagement and perceived future employability of nursing students and the mediating role of work engagement. Method:A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in 2022 among 322 final-year nursing students. Data were obtained via an online survey using the Student Information Form, the Nursing Students’ Professional Competence Self-Assessment scale, the Utrecht Work Engagement scale, and the Perceived Future Employment scale. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s and Pearson’s correlations, and multiple linear regression analysis. The mediating role was analyzed with Hayes' PROCESS Model 4. Results:Demographic and academic characteristics, professional competency and work engagement scores of the students explained 53% of the perceived future employability. Professional competency had a direct effect on work engagement and perceived future employability. Moreover, work engagement had a direct effect on the perceived future employability. Although work engagement had a significant effect on the relationship between professional competency and perceived future employability, no mediating role was detected. Conclusion:The study revealed the importance of professional competency and work engagement for nursing students' perception of future employability. It also highlights the role of work engagement and guides future studies aimed at supporting the involvement of nursing students in educational processes. Nurse educators and educational managers should organize educational programs that enhance students' professional competencies and ensure their engagement in nursing.