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Assessment of Nurses’ Competencies During the COVID‐19 Pandemic

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background Nurses played an essential role in handling suspected and confirmed COVID‐19 cases during the pandemic. Assessing nurses’ competencies is important to improve preparedness and quality of care during public health emergencies. Aim This study aimed to assess nurses’ competencies in handling COVID‐19 cases at Al‐Quwayiyah General Hospital, Riyadh Region, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods A descriptive correlational research design was utilized. A purposive sample of 162 nurses participated in the study. Data were collected using a structured interviewing questionnaire and the nurse competence scale (NCS). Results The mean total competence score was 158.27 ± 37.12. Based on quality‐of‐action (VAS) scores, 46.9% of nurses demonstrated a very good level of competence, while 41.4% demonstrated a good level of competence. Regarding frequency‐of‐action scores, the highest competency levels were observed in the managing situations (2.29–2.49), diagnostic functions (2.29–2.41), and therapeutic interventions (2.26–2.44) domains, whereas the lowest levels were reported in the ensuring quality (1.66–1.93) and work role (1.63–2.10) domains. Significant positive correlations were identified between diagnostic functions and managing situations ( r = 0.909, p < 0.01), teaching–coaching and diagnostic functions ( r = 0.900, p < 0.01), and the quality and frequency of action scores ( r = 0.905, p < 0.01). Non‐Saudi nurses demonstrated significantly higher competence scores than Saudi nurses ( t = −3.491, p = 0.001). Competence levels also differed significantly according to age group ( F = 10.738, p < 0.001) and hospital department ( F = 2.753, p = 0.003). Conclusion Nurses reported relatively high levels of self‐perceived competence in handling COVID‐19 cases. Although frequency‐of‐action scores were generally moderate across competency domains, quality‐of‐action scores indicated good to very good competence levels. Higher competencies were observed in managing situations, diagnostic functions, therapeutic interventions, and teaching–coaching activities, whereas lower competencies were identified in quality improvement, work‐role responsibilities, mentorship, delegation, and evidence‐based practice activities. Continuous competency‐based education, disaster preparedness training, mentorship programs, and evidence‐based practice initiatives are recommended to strengthen nurses’ preparedness for future healthcare emergencies.

Source: Nursing Forum

DOI: 10.1155/nuf/1523079