Perceived professional preparedness of final-year nursing students in Iran: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Final-year nursing students are expected to acquire sufficient competencies to ensure a safe transition into clinical practice. Perceived professional preparedness (PPPNS) is a critical determinant of their ability to assume professional roles. Evidence on this topic in Iran is limited; therefore, this study aimed to assess PPPNS among final-year nursing students and to identify associated factors. METHODS: A descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 305 final-year nursing students from medical universities across Iran. Data were collected online using a demographic information form and the Perceived Professional Preparedness of Senior Nursing Students Questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 24. RESULTS: The overall mean score of professional preparedness was at a good level. Nursing students from Tehran-based universities demonstrated significantly higher preparedness scores compared with those from other institutions (p-value < 0.0001). In addition, higher academic grade point averages were positively correlated with greater professional preparedness (p-value < 0.05) after adjusting for age and gender. CONCLUSION: Iranian final-year nursing students reported good levels of PPP. Strengthening educational strategies outside Tehran and promoting students' academic performance may further enhance their readiness for professional practice.