Core Competencies and Associated Factors Among Clinical Nurse Educators.

BACKGROUND: Clinical nurse educators (CNEs) in China are required to maintain clinical nursing care while undertaking educational management responsibilities, but evidence on their competency profile remains limited. PURPOSE: Assess the core competencies of CNEs and identify associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with CNEs from hospitals in China using convenience sampling. RESULTS: Among the 898 responses, the total competency score was moderate; clinical nursing skills scored highest, and innovation and research competency scored lowest. Competency differed by region, age, professional title, clinical work experience, years as a CNE, initial education, and specialized training (all P < 0.05). Pre-appointment training for clinical teaching was the strongest and most consistent predictor. CONCLUSIONS: CNEs reported moderate competency, with the greatest gap in innovation and research. Pre-appointment training was consistently associated with higher competency, highlighting the need for structured preparation for teaching and ongoing professional development.