The Nursing Competence Self-Efficacy Scale: An Instrument Development and Psychometric Assessment Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop and psychometrically assess an instrument to measure senior baccalaureate nursing student self-efficacy related to meeting entry level competencies required on acceptance to the nursing profession. The theoretical foundation of this study is social cognitive theory (Bandura, 1986). Social cognitive theory includes the construct of self-efficacy. The foundation of social cognitive theory guides the selection of study variables, the study design and the interpretation of the study findings. The conceptual framework for this study is The Health System and Health Human Resources (HHR) Planning Framework (O’Brien-Pallas & Tomblin Murphy, 2006). The framework links important elements in health human services and workforce planning to the self-efficacy of future registered nurses in relation to meeting expected professional competencies. A twenty-two item, likert type measurement instrument entitled the Nursing Competence Self- Efficacy Scale (NCSES) was developed and validated by experts in nursing research and practice and in consultation with experts in instrument development and psychometric assessment. Nursing experts (n=8) participated in a two-step validation process consisting of two independent reviews of the instrument, before it was administered to senior baccalaureate nursing students (N=253). The NCSES has demonstrated evidence of internal consistency reliability, test-retest stability reliability, content validity, construct validity and contrasting group validity. This is the first study to develop and assess a scale to measure senior baccalaureate nursing students’ self-efficacy for competent nursing practice. It contributes a practical 22 item instrument to evaluate senior baccalaureate nursing students’ self-efficacy for nursing competence.