1Department of Nursing, Kyungil University 2Department of Nursing, Silla University
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate factors influencing clinical competence in nursing students. Method: The participants were 125 nursing students and data were collected from October 8 to December 18, 2010 using questionnaires with. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression. Results: There were significant correlations for creativity, problem-solving ability, self-directed learning ability, and clinical competence. The factor influencing clinical competence the most was creativity, followed by problem-solving ability, self-directed learning ability, and grade point average score. The regression model explained 37% of variance in clinical competence. Conclusion: The results indicate that for improvement in the clinical competence of nursing students, it is necessary to develop strategies and education programs to enhance creativity, problem-solving ability, and self-directed learning ability.