Degree of self-confidence in clinical skill practice of nursing students at some colleges in the Central Highland region in 202

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to describe the level of confidence in clinical nursing practice among nursing students at several colleges in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam in 2023 and identify related factors. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 222 regular nursing students in their second and third years at Kon Tum Community College, Gia Lai Community College, and Dak Lak Medical College. The level of confidence in clinical skills practice was self-assessed by the research participants through the execution of 30 nursing technical procedures. Results: The average confidence score of students in clinical skills practice was 7.7 ± 1.5 (on a scale of 10). 175 students (78.8%) had moderate confidence levels, while only 47 (21.2%) exhibited high confidence levels. Among 30 skills assessed, students had the highest confidence in performing vital signs measurement techniques (79.7%) and medication administration techniques (63.5%). The lowest confidence levels were reported in techniques related to wound dressing (21.2%) and end-of-life care (23.4%). Semester, average academic performance, guidance and encouragement from instructors and clinical preceptors, and the psychological well-being of students were statistically significant factors related to students’ confidence in clinical skills practice. Conclusions: The majority of nursing students displayed a moderate level of confidence in clinical skills practice. Guidance and encouragement from instructors and clinical preceptors play a crucial role in influencing students’ confidence in clinical skills practice. Therefore, they should pay more attention and provide further guidance to students, especially those who are embarking on their first clinical experiences and those with lower academic performance. It is essential to give extra emphasis to procedures that students have fewer opportunities to practice, such as end-of-life care and splinting for bone fractures.