Competency components of novice nurses’ preceptors, Bangkok Hospital Network in Northeastern Thailand

Abstract

This descriptive research had an objective to study the components of nurse preceptor’s competency in Bangkok Hospital network, Northeastern Thailand by studying in all 200 registered nurses who were assigned to be nurse preceptors for novice nurses in Bangkok Hospital Network, Northeastern Thailand. Study instrument was a questionnaire with 52 items constructed by the researchers. The questionnaire was a 5-point Likert scale. Five experts validated the questionnaire contents and yielded content validity index (CVI) of 0.95. Reliability testing was carried out by computing Cronbach’s alpha and obtained coefficient of 0.98. Data analysis were conducted by using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) with principal component analysis and orthogonal rotation by varimax method

Research results indicated that the EFA of nurse preceptor’s competency consisted of 11 components which were: 1) analytical thinking and decision making; 2) confidence and trustworthiness building; 3) coaching and knowledge transferring; 4) communication; 5) leadership; 6) evaluation; 7) management of work, time, and knowledge; 8) creating of learning opportunities; 9) being role model; 10) risk prevention and management; and 11) nursing practice. Factor loadings in all components ranged from .557-.848 by explaining variability of all variables at 71.032%, which were at the appropriate levels for all 11 components. It can be used as indicators for developing a standardized nurse preceptor’s competency assessment tool with construct validity under the similar contexts of other private hospital networks