Essential dimensions of professional competency examination in Iran from academic and clinical nurses’ perspective: A mixed-method study

BACKGROUND: Planning for the issuance of professional competency examination has been put on the agenda of professional policymakers, but the ways of evaluating and conducting examinations and its dimensions are the main challenges. The present study aimed to explain the essential dimensions of professional competency examination in Iran from academic and clinical nurses’ perspective. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present mixed-method study was performed at three stages, systematic review, qualitative, and quantitative stages. At the first stage, 56 articles and texts were collected from PubMed, CINHAL, Ovid, and ProQuest databases, by using the keywords, namely professional competency examination and assessment. Base on the inclusion criteria and eligibility assessment of article, six articles and one text on regulation were selected. At the second stage, the results of the literature review were approved by 20 nursing experts. Direct content analysis was used for data analysis. The results were prepared in the form of a questionnaire. At the last stage, the questionnaire was given to 2209 clinical, academic, nurse managers, and nurses. RESULTS: Based on findings of the review literature, essential dimensions of the professional competency examination included a central theme of the client's needs with four categories. At the second stage, the Professional Competency Examination dimensions were approved by experts. At the third stage, a comparison of findings indicated that clinical nurses emphasized more on cardiopulmonary resuscitation, client safety, and implementation of procedures, while academic nurses emphasized on the client's needs, client education, and clients’ physiological integrity. CONCLUSION: The client's need is the most important dimension in the professional competency examination. The nurses will be successful in providing care if they can identify the clients’ needs and provide care plans based on client needs and priorities.