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.
A new study by Jehad O. Halabi, Jan Nilsson, and Margret Lepp reveals that a culturally tailored 12-month internship program significantly improves professional competence, self-efficacy, and perceived health among newly graduated Saudi nurses.
The research, involving 147 nurses across two tertiary hospitals, used a longitudinal design with repeated measures. Results showed marked gains in leadership, documentation, and administrative skills, while value-based care competence remained strong. Self-efficacy and overall health also improved during the program.
The findings underscore the importance of structured, culturally adapted internships in preparing practice-ready nurses and enhancing their transition from academic education to clinical practice.