Comparison of the Achieved and Expected Competence Level of New Graduate Nurses: Two Cross‐Sectional Studies

ABSTRACT Aim To explore and compare the self‐perceived competence level of new graduate nurses with the expected competence level that nurse managers believe new graduate nurses should have in general. Design Two cross‐sectional empirical studies. Methods Two independent cross‐sectional studies were carried out in 12 tertiary hospitals in September 2020 and November 2021, respectively. Participants were 1017 new graduate nurses with less than 2 years of work experience and 306 nurse managers who completed an online survey. Results The score of self‐perceived nursing competence of new graduate nurses was 74.77 ± 14.35, and the expectation of nurse managers was 74.21 ± 15.04. The values of 18 items were significantly different between the two of them ( p < 0.05), and there were only three items showed higher expectations of nurse managers than the self‐rated values of new graduate nurses. Results of latent profile analysis revealed that this cohort of new graduate nurses could be divided into three subgroups, named risky competent (11.1%), medium competent (46.0%) and advanced competent (42.9%). When comparing, the nurse managers' expected competence level was between the value of ‘medium competent’ group and ‘advanced competent’ group. Conclusions Our study adopted a dual perspective comparison of nurse managers and new graduate nurses, which broke through the limitations of the previous single perspective study of new graduate nurses' nursing competence. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care This study highlights the importance of the consistency in new graduate nurses' nursing competence from the perspectives of new graduate nurses and nurse managers. Impact This study showed a generally good match of actual nursing competence level of new graduate nurses and the expected level from nurse managers. While there was significant individual heterogeneity in the competence score of new graduate nurses, three subgroups were identified through the individual‐centred analysis of latent profile analysis. Therefore, Nurse managers need to systematically adjust the standardized training programs and teaching methods for new graduate nurses according to the population characteristics and take precise interventions to improve nursing competence of new graduate nurses. Reporting Method We adhered to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Patient or Public Contribution No Patient or Public Contribution.