Assessment of Factors Associated With the Acquisition of Competencies among Undergraduate Nursing Students in Ugandan Universities

Purpose: Like other developing countries, Uganda grapples with the critical challenge of equipping nursing students with essential clinical competencies. These competencies encompass vital nursing skills, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors crucial for effective nursing practice. This study assessed student perceptions and confidence in applying acquired clinical skills among undergraduate nursing students in Ugandan universities. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was used to assess bachelor's in nursing students from central and western Ugandan universities. Data were entered into Excel and exported to SPSS version 22. Results were presented using frequencies, pie charts, percentages, and tables. Chi-square tests were conducted to assess associations of the variables in the study. Findings: The study showed that acquisition of clinical competencies is positively correlated with students' perceptions (r=0.775) (p=0.000), Institutional factors(r=0.668) (p=0.000), clinical learning environment (r=0.556) (p=0.000), clinical feedback (r=0.439) (p=0.000). The study further shows that 69.9% (n=70) had adequate clinical learning experience, while 31% (n=31) had inadequate clinical learning experience. This implies moderate student supervision, feedback, and an unfavorable clinical learning environment. Competency acquisition in student nurses is positively influenced by the active involvement of students' perceptions, institutional factors, and a supportive clinical learning environment. A sufficient amount of clinical experience is pivotal in developing competent student nurses. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Management should always invite experienced professionals to share career experiences to enhance realistic perceptions among nursing students. Students should be given more time to practice in clinical settings, and management should advocate for including student attitude tests in orientation programs across nursing and clinical training universities.