J Korean Acad Nurs Adm.  2023 Jun;29(3):258-267. 10.11111/jkana.2023.29.3.258.

Effects of Nursing Competence on Job Satisfaction across Career Stages

• Oh EY
• Kim MW
• Yoo HJ
• Choi SH
• Lee SR
• Kim CS

• KMID: 2549362
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11111/jkana.2023.29.3.258

Abstract

Purpose
This study examined the variations in nursing competence and job satisfaction across different career stages. Additionally, it explored the effect of nursing competence on job satisfaction within each career stages.
Methods
Participants were 468 nurses working at a university hospital in B city. Data collection was conducted using self-report questionnaires from April 1 to 15, 2020. The data were analyzed descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, Scheffé test, and multiple regression analysis employing SPSS 23.0.
Results
General nursing competence improved significantly after the proficiency stage. Care execution and critical thinking were improved as nurses progressed from the novice to the advanced beginner stage. Additionally, communication showed progress in the competent stage. Furthermore, responsibility and self-development were improved after the proficiency stage. Among the sub-competencies examined, self-development, care execution, and communication significantly influenced the job satisfaction of a nurse’s career. Moreover, self-development was influential at all stages.
Conclusion
This study shows that there was no substantial improvement in nursing competencies as they progressed through various career stages. Self-development was the most crucial sub-competence impacting job satisfaction, with the effects of the sub-competencies varying across career stages. These results will aid in planning clinical continuing education and formulating policies to enhance nurse competency.

Keyword

Clinical competence; Job satisfaction; Nurses