Assessment of student nurses’ self-efficacy levels in physical examination
Physical examination levels
Keywords:
Nursing student, physical examination, self-efficacyAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to determine the self-efficacy levels of nursing students regarding their physical examination skills.
Method: The study was conducted using a descriptive design between February 2024 and May 2024. Participants included 2nd, 3rd, and 4th-year students from the Nursing Department of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University. The study population consisted of 278 nursing students, and the required sample size was calculated to be at least 199 students using the G-Power 3.1.9.4 program, with parameters set at d=0.2, α=0.05, and power=0.80. Ultimately, 226 students participated in the study. Data were collected using the Student Information Form and the Perceived Self-Efficacy in Physical Examination Scale for Undergraduate Nursing Students (PPSES). The data were analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 26.0.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 22.00±1.39 years; 67.3% were female, 35.4% were in their 2nd year, and 55.3% had reluctantly chosen nursing as their field of study. Additionally, 72.6% reported not having received any formal course or training on physical examination, while 69.5% indicated that they applied physical examination methods during practice. The mean total score on the Perceived Self-Efficacy in Physical Examination Scale (PPSES) was 96.08±24.02, indicating a moderate level of self-efficacy.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that nursing students have a moderate level of self-efficacy regarding physical examination skills. Efforts should be made to enhance their self-efficacy by encouraging active participation in physical examination practices.
Practice for implications: The study highlights the need for additional support and training to improve nursing students’ self-efficacy in physical examination, which is crucial for their professional competence.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Sema Arslan, Mehmet Şakir Çelik, Ebubekir Kaplan
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