Assessment and Influencing Factors of Post‐Competency Among Nursing Master’s Degree Graduates in China: A Multivariate Analysis Approach

ABSTRACT Objective To explore the competency of nursing graduates from the four dimensions of clinical practice, research ability, teaching ability and management ability, analyse its influencing factors and provide data support for improving the post ability of nurses with a master's degree. Methods In September 2024, a convenience sampling method was used to administer a self‐designed questionnaire regarding post‐graduation post‐competency to 330 nursing master's degree graduates from 68 tertiary hospitals and five medical universities across China. Results The average scores of clinical competence, research competence, teaching competence and management competence of nursing graduates were more than 7 (out of 10 points). Based on the Benner model, all the abilities of the participants were at the level of competent. Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that marital status ( p < 0.001), years since graduation ( p < 0.001), major ( p < 0.001) and et al., significantly influenced clinical competency. Furthermore, marital status, major, hospital rank and graduate type were key research competency factors. For teaching competency, major, training nature and professional title played a crucial role, whereas major, professional title, marital status and hospital rank were essential for management competency. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that job position ( χ 2 = 11.375, p = 0.01) significantly influenced SCI publication, whereas the training nature and type of graduate school were independent factors affecting publication in Chinese core journals. Moreover, years since graduation and professional title were independent factors that influenced the publication of scientific core journals. Conclusion The post‐competency scores of nursing master's degree graduates in the four dimensions of clinical, research, teaching and management were moderate, indicating substantial potential for enhancement. Managers should develop personalised training programs based on different factors that influence the overall competency of nursing master's degree graduates, thereby improving nursing quality and ensuring patient safety.