The NPC Research Group
Est. 2007 · Sweden · International

Measuring what it means to be a competent nurse.

The Nurse Professional Competence (NPC) Research Project studies self-reported professional competence among nurse students and registered nurses — advancing education, practice, and patient care worldwide.

At a glance
2007
Project founded
40+
Peer-reviewed articles
10+
Language translations
9
Core researchers
About the project

The NPC Research Project

The NPC Research Project started in 2007 by researchers from Sweden. The aim is to contribute to an increased knowledge about self-reported professional competence among nurse students and registered nurses, and thereby enhance the quality of nursing education and optimize the quality of nursing care.

The NPC Research Group has developed the NPC Scale measuring self-reported professional competence among nurse students and registered nurses. The NPC Scale has been translated to several languages and is used in numerous countries globally.

The NPC Scale

Six areas of
nursing competence

The NPC Scale measures self-reported professional competence across six core domains — used in over 10 language translations and numerous countries worldwide.

01
Nursing care
Direct patient care, clinical assessment, and evidence-based nursing interventions.
02
Care planning & evaluation
Structured planning, goal-setting, and systematic evaluation of nursing care outcomes.
03
Medical and technical care
Technical procedures, medication management, and medical device competency.
04
Teaching & learning
Patient education, health promotion, and supporting learning for patients and colleagues.
05
Legislation & safety
Adherence to legal frameworks, patient safety protocols, and ethical practice standards.
06
Development & leadership
Professional growth, organisational development, and leadership in nursing care.
Global impact

Used across
the world

Researchers worldwide have requested permission to use the NPC Scale in projects assessing professional competence among newly graduated nursing students and registered nurses.

10+
Language translations
40+
Publications
9
Core researchers
Scandinavia
Sweden · Norway · Denmark · Finland
Middle East
Saudi Arabia · Jordan
Asia
China · Indonesia · Japan
Europe
UK · Germany · Netherlands · Portugal
Americas & Africa
USA · Brazil · South Africa