The relationship between perceived competence and self-esteem among novice nurses – a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Novice nurses’ responsibilities are greater than what their actual level of competence can cope with. This can cause increased levels of stress, which many studies have shown is a factor resulting in reduced self-esteem, which affects not only the well-being of nurses but also the quality of care provided. AIMS: To investigate the relationship between the self-assessment of nursing competencies and self-esteem among novice nurses and the moderation role of the sociodemographic variables and intention to leave the nursing profession on this relationship. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A correlational cross-sectional study was performed using an online questionnaire. The study was conducted between July and October 2019 among 122 novice nurses. The study tool consisted of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Nurse Professional Competence Scale-Short Version, and metrics. Calculations were performed using SPSS Statistics, version 25. To approach research questions hierarchical multiple regression was performed. RESULTS: The self-esteem level of novice nurses have been identified as low. Novice nurses who declared their willingness to leave their profession had a higher level of self-esteem than nurses who did not declare this willingness. The highest-rated competencies were in the fields of nursing care and value-based nursing care, while the lowest were in the areas of development, leadership, and the organisation of nursing care. Correlations between postgraduate education and competencies in the majority subscales were revealed. The results showed a negative correlation between self-esteem and all subscales of the competence scale. Seniority and postgraduate education were important moderators in the relationship between some competence subscales and self-esteem. CONCLUSION: Novice nurses present a low level of self-esteem. Nurses with a higher competence level showed lower self-esteem. Developing competencies at the beginning of one’s nursing practice, which is crucial for patients’ outcomes, should be accompanied by the strengthening of novice nurses’ self-esteem. KEY MESSAGES: Novice nurses with a higher level of self-esteem more often declared their willingness to leave their profession. The results showed a negative correlation between self-esteem and all subscales of the competence scale. Seniority and postgraduate education are important moderators in the relationship between some competence subscales and self-esteem.