Norwegian nurse educators' self-rating of competencies: a nationwide cross-sectional web-survey

Abstract

Background: Nurse educators' competencies play a crucial role in the educational quality of nurses.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate how Norwegian nurse educators self-rated their competence domains, and how these competencies were associated background variables.

Methods: The study was designed as a cross-sectional web-survey, and n=154 participated and filled out the Evaluation of Requirements of Nurse Teachers (ERNT) instrument. Educators' mean working experience was 12.9 years (SD 9.2); 86.3 % were permanently employed and 76.8 % had formal supervision training.

Results: The nurse educators rated their competence as good on all competence domains and single competence items, and ERNT total mean score was 4.62 (SD 0.28), with relationship with the students rated highest and personality factors rated lowest. The ERNT total mean score was significantly related to academic degree.

Conclusions: Educational leaders in nursing education are recommended to establish a mentoring and supporting team for their educators.

Keywords: cross sectional study; nurse educator; nurse educator competencies; nursing education.