ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This exploratory study aims to identify various factors influencing the rehabilitation nursing competencies (RNC) of nurses in various types of health institutes. METHODS: The researcher developed a questionnaire consisting of 45 items based on the ARN rehabilitation nursing competency model. Subjects were 434 nurses working at general hospitals, long-term care facilities, or community health centers. RESULTS: Nurses' RNC were significantly higher among those who have higher levels of education, receive continuing education in rehabilitation nursing, and practice more frequently in rehabilitation nursing. Age and duration of nursing career were significant only for interprofessional care domain. General hospital nurses scored highest in every domain while nurses working at long-term care facilities scored lowest in every domain. Multiple regression analysis showed that practicing daily or more than twice per week in rehabilitation nursing, achieving master's degree or higher, and working at long-term care facilities were statistically significant factors with RNC. These factors explained 31.1% of the total variability in RNC in this sample. CONCLUSION: Currently, there is no official certification program for rehabilitation nurse practitioners in South Korea. The results of this study would be useful in developing RNC training programs for Korean nurses, and provide strong evidence for necessity of certified rehabilitation nurse specialists.