A Study of Trauma Nursing Core Competency among Staff Nurses in Vietnamese General Hospitals

Abstract

Background: Patients with trauma are common in Vietnam, resulting in the high demand of qualified and competent nursing care for this population. However, in Vietnam trauma nurses' competency has been limited. The objectives of this research were to assess and compare trauma nursing core competency (TNCC) among staff nurses at Vietnamese general hospitals.

Methods: Cluster sampling was used to recruit 439 Vietnamese nurses from 9 hospitals throughout the country. The measurement of TNCN content was developed for this study by literature review and interview of experts. The research tool composed of 8 dimensions with 48 items. The Content Validity Index was .90 and the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was .95.

Result: The overall TNCN level of staff nurses was relatively high ( = 3.01, SD = .37). Also the level of TNCC of staff nurses between male and female were not significantly different among education backgrounds (secondary, college, and bachelor). The levels of TNCC of staff nurses were significantly different among working experience groups (F = 11.73, p<0.01), especially between groups from one to 3 years and group over 10 years’ experience ( = 2.61, SD = .28 and  = 3.10, SD = .35, respectively; Sheffé p<0.01).

Conclusion:  This study found a relatively high level of TNCC of staff nurses in Vietnam. It is recommended that Nurse Managers should consider staff rotation and shifts especially among novice staff nurses (less than 3 years).