The relationship between self-directed learning ability and clinical competence among nursing students: a cross-sectional descriptive study

BACKGROUND: Self-directed learning is considered a key factor in developing clinical skills, as it enables students to independently acquire the necessary knowledge and competencies. This study aims to determine the relationship between self-directed learning ability and clinical competence in nursing students. METHODS: In a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out across the three principal provinces in western Iran, a total of 450 third- and fourth-year undergraduate nursing students were recruited to participate through convenience sampling. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, the Williamson Self-Rating Scale of Self-Directed Learning (SRSSDL), and the Modified Nursing Competence Scale (NCS) developed by Meretoja. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were employed for data analysis. RESULTS: The average age of the students was 22.68 ± 2.59 years. The results indicate that the mean scores for self-directed learning and clinical competence were 240.04 ± 32.14 and 137.94 ± 21.88, respectively, both being above average. Pearson's correlation coefficient results indicated a weak yet significant direct correlation between these two variables. CONCLUSION: Self-directed learning is important for nursing students. It relates to improving clinical competence. Therefore, it is suggested to implement strategies like conducting educational workshops. Another approach is to change the educational methods used by instructors to enhance this skill.