An Exploratory Factor Analysis of Head Nurse Competency, Private Hospitals in The Next Normal

Abstract

This study employed a descriptive research design incorporating exploratory factor analysis to examine the underlying structure of head nurse competency within private hospitals in the context of the Next Normal era. The sample consisted of 650 head nurses with a minimum of two years of experience, selected using a proportionate multi-stage sampling method from 30 private hospitals across the country. Data were collected via an online questionnaire employing a five-point Likert scale. The instrument demonstrated excellent content validity, with a Content Validity Index (CVI) of 0.98, and high reliability as evidenced by a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.98. Data were analyzed using principal component analysis with orthogonal rotation via the varimax method.
The findings revealed that head nurse competency comprised seven distinct factors, encompassing 45 variables with Eigen values between 1.517-7.053 and accounting for 83.76% of the total variance. The seven identified factors were as follows: 1) Adaptive Leadership consisted of twelve variables, the Eigen value was 26.84, explaining the variance of 59.64%, 2) Communication and relationship-building skills consisted of six variables, the Eigen value was 3.78, explaining the variance of 8.41%, 3) Research and innovation capabilities consisted of six variables, the Eigen value was 2.31, explaining the variance of 5.13%, 4) Ethics in the digital technology era consisted of four variables, the Eigen value was 1.65, explaining the variance of 3.66%, 5) Use of artificial intelligence in nursing practices consisted of six variables, the Eigen value was 1.31, explaining the variance of 2.92%, 6) Nursing quality improvement consisted of five variables, the Eigen value was 0.98, explaining the variance of 2.17% and 7) Strategic management consisted of six variables, the eigen value is 0.82, explaining the variance of 1.83%. The findings suggested that nursing executives can use these research results as a guideline to promote the development of head nurse competency so that they can perform their duties more efficiently. In addition, registered nurses can use research results as a guideline for self-development preparation in the next position of head nurse.