Norwegian nursing students felt underprepared after COVID-19 disruptions

A new report from the University of South-Eastern Norway and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology sheds light on how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the competence and confidence of bachelor nursing students at graduation.

Using the validated Nurse Professional Competence Scale Short Form, the study found that students rated themselves highest in Value-based Nursing Care and Nursing Care, but lowest in Development, Leadership and Organization of Nursing Care and Care Pedagogics. More than 30% of the students reported that the pandemic negatively affected their ability to manage medications, handle technical equipment, and educate patients. Notably, 40.6% expressed serious concern that their education during the pandemic had not provided sufficient competence to begin working as nurses.

Younger students reported significantly lower competence in several key areas and expressed greater concern about their readiness to enter professional practice, indicating an important vulnerable group.

The authors conclude that universities should re-evaluate and strengthen educational frameworks to ensure nursing students continue developing critical competencies during crises.

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