Clinical Competency in Anesthesia Nursing Education: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study at Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences
Abstract
Background: Clinical competence is an essential attribute for anesthesia nurses, as it directly influences patient safety, minimizes medical errors, and enhances surgical outcomes. In Iran, ensuring the clinical competence of anesthesia nurses is vital to addressing the growing demands of modern healthcare. However, evidence suggests a persistent gap between academic education and clinical practice, potentially undermining the readiness of graduates to meet professional expectations. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical competence of anesthesia students at Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in 2023, identifying areas of strength and weakness to inform improvements in educational programs and foster clinical preparedness.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 62 anesthesia students, selected through a census method, who were enrolled in the third and fifth terms of their academic program. A common clinical assessment tool was used to evaluate students' competencies. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.
Results: This study demonstrated that most students exhibited strong competence in patient safety and anesthesia care, with a mean score of 19.79 (SD = 3.26, range: 12–24) and an overall clinical competence score of 70.83 (SD = 11.34, range: 44–88). Additionally, GPA significantly influenced clinical competence scores, with higher GPAs associated with better clinical outcomes (P value = 0.015). However, students showed lower competence in professional communication and collaboration. Only one student was classified as "Not applicable," while 40.32% were categorized as "Competent and proficient to enter practice."
Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of academic performance in enhancing clinical competency. While most students demonstrated readiness for clinical practice, improvements are needed in areas such as professional communication and teamwork. Future research should focus on long-term evaluations and interventions to enhance these competencies, ensuring better preparation for clinical practice.
