Table 4 The clinical core competencies of the Professional Nurse Self-Assessment Scale (ProffNurse SAS)

Direct Clinical Practice

25

I am independently responsible for health assessment (systematic physical examination), examinations and treatment of patients with complicated medical conditions

.791

0.940

24

I am independently responsible for health assessment (systematic physical examination), examinations and treatment of patients with uncomplicated medical conditions

.766

19 items

27

I plan and prioritize nursing and medical interventions

.706

17

I identify patient’s health problems

.674

18

I assess patient’s symptoms

.621

23

I evaluate and modify patients’ medical treatment

.619

31

I exclude differential diagnoses when assessing patients’ health conditions

.612

36

I interpret, analyze and reach alternative conclusions about patients’ health conditions after a detailed mapping of health history and health assessment (physical examination)

.599

34

I apply both subjective and objective methods when examining, treating and caring for patients

.576

16

I carry out systematic clinical examinations of my patients

.536

35

I utilize medical equipment in an appropriate and accurate manner

.529

28

I have knowledge of the effects of medication and treatment for the patients I am responsible for

.479

20

I assess the patient’s health

.477

30

I identify deviations in the patients' state of health and state of disease

.457

38

I develop and administer health-promoting and illness-preventive actions for patients

.452

19

I assess changes in the patient’s pathological picture

.431

26

I systematically gather information from each patient about his/her health resources

.428

29

I have knowledge of the interactions of various types of medication and what side-effects they may cause for the patients I am responsible for

.424

22

I take preventive actions regarding the patient’s medical problems

.412

Professional Development

52

I generate a creative learning environment for staff at my workplace

.700

63

I participate in quality development work at my workplace

.675

0.830

11

I take responsibility for competence development at my workplace

.627

66

I improve routines/systems that fail to meet the needs of patients at my workplace

.532

5 items

50

I take active responsibility for my own professional development

.447

Ethical Decision-Making

43

I take patients’ mental health needs (mood swings, feelings of hopelessness, depression, etc.) into account when assessing and planning for the health and life situation of patients

−.745

0.904

44

I take patients’ spiritual health needs (feelings of meaninglessness, existential needs, beliefs, fear of death, etc.) into account when assessing and planning for the health and life situation of patients

−.734

11 items

42

I take patients’ physical health needs (illness, pain, disabilities, etc.) into account when assessing and planning for the health and life situation of patients

−.731

41

I adopt an ethical approach in my relationship with patients

−.727

40

I identify and assume responsibility for patients’ own health resources in planning nursing care

−.683

45

I take patients’ social health needs (leisure activities, friends, financial situation, etc.) into account when assessing and planning for the health and life situation of patients

−.679

39

I support and guide patients in mastering their illnesses and health problems

−.644

54

I maintain an ethical approach towards my colleagues

−.596

53

I take active responsibility for creating a good working environment

−.539

46

I put emphasis on patients’ own wishes when assessing and planning for nursing care and medical treatment

−.519

7

I act ethically when caring for patients

−.485

Clinical Leadership

5

I make my own decisions in my work

.713

3

I work systematically

.691

0.786

2

I work autonomously

.676

1

I take full responsibility for my own actions

.558

6 items

9

I am correct and accurate in speech and writing

.514

8

I understand the consequences my decisions may have for patients

.467

Cooperation and Consultation

60

I experience a division of responsibility between the physician and me as a nurse

−.824

61

I cooperate well with the physician

−.783

0.820

56

I consult other professional experts when required

−.563

57

I cooperate actively with other health professionals when coordinating the patient’s nursing, care and treatment

−.530

6 items

33

I am cognizant of when my medical knowledge is insufficient when assessing patients’ health conditions

−.524

73

I document the steps taken in assessing patients’ needs for nursing, care and treatment

−.456

Critical Thinking

6

I reflect on my actions

−.439

70

I analyze and evaluate my work continuously

−.410

0.772

59

I perceive opportunities and have visions for how nursing and clinical paths for patients can be developed

−.357

4 items

62

I have a vision of how nursing should be developed at my workplace

−.357