Clinical practice competence and associated factors among nursing students at Nguyen Tat Thanh University

Abstract

Clinical practice competence reflects nursing students’ readiness for professional practice and is a key indicator of educational quality. However, evidence suggests CPC often falls short of expectations and is shaped by individual and clinical learning – environment factors. A descriptive cross – sectional study was conducted among 281 third- and fourth-year nursing students at Nguyen Tat Thanh University. Clinical practice competence was measured using the Clinical Competency Tool (34 items; 5 domains). Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed in SPSS. The overall Clinical practice competence score was 4.17 ± 0.55/5; the highest domain was communication (4.24 ± 0.76) and the lowest was nursing skills (4.06 ± 0.64). Clinical practice competence was significantly associated with age, academic year, stress level, satisfaction with clinical instructors, support from ward nurses, and facility conditions (p < 0.05). Nursing students demonstrated good Clinical practice competence; nonetheless, strengthening hands-on practical skills and enhancing the clinical learning environment remain priorities. Greater instructor supervision/mentorship and improved practice conditions are recommended to consolidate competence.