The NPC Research Group
International perspectives on nurse competence
Updates from the NPC Research Group — new studies, translations, collaborations and events from around the world.
01 — Latest news
vKUM Research on Nurses' Professional Competence Presented at the IHF World Hospital Congress in Seoul
The vKUM research group participated in the 49th IHF World Hospital Congress in Seoul, South Korea, in October 2026, presenting research on nurses' professional competence and its importance for sustainable healthcare workforce development, professional learning, and patient safety.
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02 — Archive
All news
- 2026-10-30
NPC Scale Demonstrates Global Reach and Strong Scientific Foundation in New International Review
A newly published international review demonstrates the growing importance of the Nurse Professional Competence (NPC) Scale as a trusted tool for assessing nursing competence in educational and clinical settings.
→ - 2026-09-26
International Perspectives on Nurse Professional Competence: First International NPC Workshop Brings Researchers Together
On 27 August 2026, the NPC Research Group hosted its First International NPC Workshop, bringing together researchers, educators, and clinicians from China, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Norway and Sweden to exchange knowledge and perspectives on professional competence in nursing.
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Announcement — Workshop
International Perspectives on Nurse Professional Competence
The First International NPC Workshop 2026
A half-day international programme hosted by the NPC Research Group — keynote, nine research sessions and onsite networking. Presenters from Sweden, Norway, Japan, China, Indonesia, Italy and Jordan.
See the full programme →- Date
- 27 August 2026
- Time
- 11.00–14.50 CET05.00–08.50 Canada · 17.00–20.50 Indonesia · 18.00–21.50 Japan
- Host & moderator
- Professor Jan Nilsson, PresidentModerator: Professor Emerita Margret Lepp
- After the programme
- 15.00 — onsite networking with buffet
- 2026-08-26
International Perspectives on Nurse Professional Competence — The First International NPC Workshop 2026
The NPC Research Group invites researchers, educators and clinicians to the first International NPC Workshop, 27 August 2026, 11.00–14.50 CET, with speakers from Sweden, Norway, Japan, China, Indonesia, Italy and Jordan.
→ - 2026-06-23
Retired Nurses – An Untapped Resource for Sweden's Crisis Preparedness (2026-06-23)
Rising geopolitical uncertainty and the risk of future pandemics highlight the need for Sweden to strengthen its crisis response capacity. A seminar hosted by the Swedish Society of Nursing focused on how experienced senior nurses can play a vital role in emergencies.
→ - 2026-05-13
New study presents shorter, validated instruments for measuring nurses' professional competence
A new international study developed and validated two brief versions of the established Nurse Professional Competence (NPC) Scale: NPC-6 and NPC-12.
→ - 2026-05-06
BMJ Open study: empowerment and competence reduce stress among hospital nurses
Nurse competence, thriving, and supportive, empowering work environments can significantly reduce stress symptoms among hospital nurses.
→ - 2026-04-14
Senior competence – a valuable resource
A feature article in Omvårdnadsmagasinet highlights the largely untapped potential of Sweden's approximately 40,000 retired nurses, based on studies by Jan Nilsson, Ann Gardulf and Marianne Carlsson.
→ - 2026-02-13
Norwegian nursing students felt underprepared after COVID-19 disruptions
New report sheds light on how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the competence and confidence of bachelor nursing students at graduation.
→ - 2026-02-10
Study maps nursing students' competence at the start of Norwegian master's programs
Cross-sectional study in Inspira examines how Norwegian master's students assess their own professional competence when beginning their studies.
→ - 2026-02-09
Internship program boosts competence and health among Saudi nurses
A culturally tailored 12-month internship program significantly improves professional competence, self-efficacy, and perceived health.
→ - 2025-11-16
Nurse empowerment and competence promote person-centered care
A study in the Journal of Nursing Management highlights the significant role of nurse empowerment and professional competence in promoting person-centered care in hospitals.
→ - 2025-09-30
NPC Scale Now Available in Bahasa Indonesia
Successful translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the NPC Scale Short Version into Bahasa Indonesia.
→ - 2025-09-29
Key Factors Influencing Nurses' Professional Competence in Sweden
Newly published study from a regional teaching hospital in Sweden reveals important differences in nurse competence across roles and educational backgrounds.
→ - 2025-04-22
NPC Scale Short-Form validated in Japanese
Discover the newly validated Japanese version of the Nurse Professional Competence Scale Short-Form.
→ - 2019-10-01
Visiting ICN, WHO and Red Cross in Geneva
On behalf of the Swedish NPC Research Group, four researchers visited ICN, WHO and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent in Geneva.
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