RESUMEN
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the relationships among professional self-concept, critical thinking disposition and clinical competence in nursing students. METHOD: The participants in the study were 505 nursing students, 262 associate degree nursing students and 243 baccalaureate nursing students, all in schools in Gwangju or South Jeonla Province. A questionnaire survey was conducted from April 25 to May 27, 2011. Statistical processing was performed with SPSS 18.0 Version and the data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, Scheffe test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple stepwise regression. RESULTS: There was a positive correlation among clinical competence and professional self-concept, critical thinking disposition. The most effective factor for clinical competence was professional practice in professional self-concept, followed by prudence and objectivity in critical thinking disposition. The total explanation of clinical competence was 46.2%. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate confirm that professional self-concept and critical thinking disposition have an effect on clinical competence in nursing students. Accordingly in order to improve clinical competence, it is necessary to provide practice environment and educational curriculum that enhance the professional self-concept and critical thinking disposition of nursing students.