Influence of psychological capital on core competency for new nurses

Abstract

Background The development of core competency is crucial for the success of new nurses, enabling them to deliver high-quality care. Psychological capital (PsyCap), encompassing self-efficacy, optimism, hope, and resilience, significantly influences individuals’ abilities and achievements across various professions. However, limited research has specifically examined the impact of PsyCap on the core competency of new nurses. This study aims to bridge this gap by investigating the relationship between PsyCap and core competency development in new nurses, providing valuable strategic insights for improving PsyCap and promoting core competence acquisition. Methods 142 new nurses were chosen for the investigation using a convenient cluster sampling method. The questionnaire included components on socio-demographic characteristics, the Competency Inventory for Registered Nurses (CIRN), and the PsyCap Questionnaire-24 (PCQ-24). The t-test, One-Way ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis and hierarchical multiple regression were used for statistical analysis. Result The number of valid questionnaires was 138, and the effective return rate was 97.2%. The overall mean score for core competencies was 171.01 (SD 25.34), and the PsyCap score was 104.76(SD 13.71). The PsyCap of new nurses was highly correlated with core competency, with a correlation coefficient of r = 0.7, p < 0.01. Self-efficacy of PsyCap is a significant independent predictor of core competency (adjust R2 = 0.49). Conclusion Self-efficacy in PsyCap is an important predictor of new nurses’ core competency. Nursing managers should pay sufficient attention to the cultivation and development of new nurses’ PsyCap, with particular emphasis on enhancing self-efficacy to improve their core competency.