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Self-Perceived Professional Preparedness of Final-Year Nursing Students for Entering the Profession

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction. Nursing students’ preparedness forentering their professional careers is crucial for ensuringquality healthcare.Aim. To evaluate the self-perceived preparedness offinal-year nursing students as they transition intothe nursing profession focusing on clinical competencies,evidence-based practice, administrative skills,and patient-centered care.Methods. A cross-sectional observational study wasconducted among 200 final-year nursing studentsfrom the Catholic University of Croatia and the Universityof Applied Health Sciences. Data were collectedusing the Professional Preparedness of NursingStudents (PPNS) questionnaire.Results. Most respondents rated their readiness asexcellent. This perception was more prevalent amonggraduate students (54.2%) compared to undergraduatestudents (44.4%). Part-time students reportedsignificantly higher levels of perceived readinesscompared to full-time students (77.94 vs. 71.50).Conclusion. Final-year nursing students feel adequatelyprepared to enter the nursing profession andcommence their professional practice. These findingshighlight the importance of recognizing diverse studentexperiences and needs in designing educationalprograms to enhance professional competence.

Source: Croatian Nursing Journal

DOI: 10.24141/2/9/1/6

Authors: Katarina Fofić, Vesna Konjevoda, Marta Čivljak, Ivica Matić

Institutions: University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Klinička bolnica "Sveti Duh", Catholic University of Croatia

Language: English

Topic: Healthcare Education and Workforce Issues

Subfield: Leadership and Management

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4410828719