The aim of this study was to develop and
psychometrically assess an instrument to
measure senior baccalaureate nursing
student self-efficacy related to meeting
entry level competencies required on
acceptance to the nursing profession.
The theoretical foundation of this study
is social cognitive theory (Bandura,
1986). Social cognitive theory includes
the construct of self-efficacy. The
foundation of social cognitive theory
guides the selection of study variables,
the study design and the interpretation
of the study findings. The conceptual
framework for this study is The Health
System and Health Human Resources (HHR)
Planning Framework (O'Brien-Pallas &
Tomblin Murphy, 2006). The framework
links important elements in health human
services and workforce planning to the
self-efficacy of future registered
nurses in relation to meeting expected
professional competencies. A twenty-two
item, likert type measurement instrument
entitled the Nursing Competence Self-
Efficacy Scale (NCSES) was developed and
validatedby experts in nursing research
and practice and in consultation with
experts in instrument development and
psychometric assessment. Nursing experts
(n=8) participated in a two-step
validation process consisting of two
independent reviews of the instrument,
before it was administered to senior
baccalaureate nursing students (N=253).
The NCSES has demonstrated evidence of
internal consistency reliability,
test-retest stability reliability,
content validity, construct validity and
contrasting group validity. This is the
first study to develop and assess a
scale to measure senior baccalaureate
nursing students' self-efficacy for
competent nursing practice. It
contributes a practical 22 item
instrument to evaluate senior
baccalaureate nursing students'
self-efficacy for nursing competence.