Table 5 Rotated factor matrix for principal component analysis of the C-PPCS-R34 (n = 240)

Q1. I am familiar with most of the instrumentation in different sub-specialties medical subjects. (e.g. neurosurgery, orthopedics)

0.895

0.032

−0.027

0.060

−0.036

0.067

Q2. I know where to find equipment and supplies in the OR.

0.835

0.004

−0.073

0.016

−0.064

0.071

Q8. I know instinctively when surgery is not going well and am able to respond appropriately.

0.826

0.043

−0.021

0.032

−0.014

0.112

Q3. My local knowledge of this department assists me to perform my OR role.

0.799

−0.032

− 0.077

− 0.010

−0.116

0.122

Q6. When I am allocated to an area of the OR that is unfamiliar, I draw on my skills and experience.

0.789

0.060

0.005

0.073

0.042

0.041

Q5. I am familiar with all kinds of regular technological equipment in the OR. (e.g. electrosurgery, operating lamp, operating table)

0.788

0.004

−0.048

0.117

−0.028

0.017

Q4.I understand and anticipate the surgical procedure.

0.747

−0.079

− 0.072

0.050

− 0.038

0.041

Q7. I plan and coordinate the needs in the theatre I am allocated.

0.724

0.077

−0.059

0.004

0.010

0.051

Q17. I encourage active involvement in clinical decision-making processes.

0.032

0.893

0.039

0.054

0.014

−0.037

Q13. I manage clinical situations when there is conflict between staff

0.076

0.831

−0.045

−0.026

0.012

0.060

Q14. I provide clinical guidance to other staff members.

0.005

0.826

0.071

0.019

−0.004

0.037

Q12. I take an active role in preceptoring or mentoring lesser experienced nurses.

−0.004

0.819

−0.064

0.021

0.009

0.018

Q10. I take a leadership role to ensure the smooth running of the theatre.

−0.054

0.805

0.043

−0.045

− 0.044

− 0.071

Q16. I delegate aspects of care according to role, functions, capabilities and learning needs of other team members.

−0.020

0.766

0.023

−0.032

− 0.003

− 0.026

Q15. I encourage team members to use innovative solutions to solve traditional problems.

0.074

0.752

−0.034

0.074

0.054

0.103

Q36. I have detailed knowledge of anatomy and physiology.

−0.048

− 0.050

0.918

0.015

−0.061

− 0.004

Q35. I understand relevant organizational policies and could put them into practice. (e.g. Medical insurance policy, Charging standards.)

− 0.056

− 0.080

0.910

− 0.011

0.005

− 0.015

Q37. I understand and could work based on the standard of all relevant professional official guidance on practice.

− 0.061

0.052

0.910

0.039

−0.065

0.014

Q38. I read current journals and literature that relate to clinical practice.

−0.124

0.043

0.898

0.005

−0.089

0.032

Q39. I keep up with the technical changes in procedures and equipment.

−0.061

0.067

0.898

−0.008

−0.004

0.032

Q20. I tailor my communication based on the mix of personalities in the team.

−0.007

0.014

−0.035

0.875

0.024

0.081

Q19.I feel comfortable in seeking assistance from my colleagues when I am unsure.

0.060

0.012

−0.031

0.827

−0.034

0.040

Q22. I treat members as individuals who have different needs, abilities and aspirations.

0.050

0.010

0.012

0.782

0.021

−0.030

Q21. I respect the level of expertise of other members of the team.

0.004

0.015

0.039

0.775

−0.090

0.057

Q18.I use appropriate methods of communication according to the needs of the situation.

0.169

−0.002

0.044

0.700

−0.022

−0.057

Q25. I troubleshoot and take appropriate action in the event of machine / equipment failures.

−0.045

0.032

−0.074

− 0.051

0.945

− 0.020

Q26. Based on experience, I am able to identify actual or potential emergency situations and respond appropriately.

−0.038

0.006

−0.031

− 0.012

0.918

− 0.061

Q28. I have the right amount of knowledge to practice in this specialty.

−0.035

0.014

−0.009

0.001

0.842

0.009

Q24. I have mastered the terminology and vocabulary of OR nursing.

−0.075

− 0.015

− 0.077

−0.044

0.779

−0.016

Q34. I establish rapport with patients that enhances their ability to express feelings and concerns.

0.060

0.018

0.039

−0.039

−0.134

0.747

Q30.I consider my colleagues as individuals with different needs, abilities and aspirations.

0.141

0.050

0.076

0.162

−0.011

0.739

Q32.I adjust my way of communication according the character of my colleagues.

0.048

−0.084

−0.036

− 0.022

0.043

0.736

Q33.When communicating with other team members, I could use language that is appropriate in that context.

0.057

−0.016

−0.023

− 0.109

−0.089

0.736

Q31.I am willing to seek help from colleagues when I am uncertain about the work.

0.121

0.121

0.006

0.119

0.112

0.702