Nursing Students’ Competency about Writing Nursing Care Plan: An Exploratory Study in Iran

Abstract

Background. By utilizing the nursing care process, healthcare professionals can implement nursing knowledge effectively and efficiently, ultimately leading to a significant improvement in the quality of care provided. Objective. This study aimed to assess writing nursing care plan competence among Ardabil nursing students in northwestern Iran. Methods. The study involved 248 nursing students from the second to eighth semesters in three nursing and midwifery schools located in the Ardabil province of northern Iran. The data were collected using a simple random sampling method and included a demographic questionnaire along with a survey questionnaire on nursing care plan writing skills. This was conducted between May and June 2023. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, t-test, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted for data analysis. Results. The mean score (SD) for writing a nursing care plan in a student survey was 3.35 (0.57) on a scale of 1 to 5. The survey’s weighted mean score for each dimension is as follows: data gathering (D) = 3.40 (0.73), identification of client’s problems ($P$) = 3.40 (0.73), sustainable goals ($G$) = 3.31 (0.77), appropriateness of intervention ($I$) = 3.30 (0.67), and recognizing outcomes ($O$) = 3.37 (0.69). This indicates that the students performed well overall. However, the lowest score was in the appropriateness of interventions dimension. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that four variables, mean score of grade point average (GPA), age, academic term, and time spent studying (hours per day), were significant predictors of the student survey’s scores on writing nursing care plans. These variables could predict 61% of the total variance. Implication for Nursing Management. Nursing school administrators can establish programs to improve education and practice in nursing care plan development based on this study. They can use these findings to enhance nursing education and practice for students, which will ultimately lead to better nursing care plans. Administrators should ensure that students have the necessary skills for writing efficient care plans and provide training courses to improve their writing and critical thinking skills. Policies can be implemented to encourage students to increase their study hours and maintain quality care programs. Conclusion. Nursing students are skilled in creating well-written nursing care plans that follow the nursing process. The quality of these plans improves with higher GPAs and longer study hours. To enhance nursing care plans, nursing education should focus on developing skills and allocating sufficient time for studying and practicing. Collaborating with faculty and administrators, as well as using reliable resources, can also help improve the quality of care plans.