ABSTRACT
Objective To explore core competency of nursing students during internship in western China,and to provide reference for the nursing education.Methods 380 nursing students during internship were investigated with Competency Inventory for Registered Nurse (CIRN).Results The total score of core competency of nursing students was (136.40±31.99) points,weighted mean scores of eight dimensions was (2.36±0.51)points;the highest mean score was the dimension of legal and ethical practice (2.88±0.57)points,and the lowest mean score was the dimension of critical thinking (1.91±0.52)points.There was significant difference of core competency in students with different education background and with varied firstchoice profession.Conclusions The core competence of nursing students during internship remains at lower middle level.The nursing educators should shift their concept of nursing education to the new mode of professional competence orientation.