A quantitative analysis of newly practicing nurses' perceived self-efficacy, assertiveness, and interprofessional collaboration

ABSTRACT

Background: According to the Institute of Medicine, interprofessional teams offer the most effective way to assure the safe delivery of patient-centered care. Nurses need to possess the ability to speak up as members of interprofessional teams. Nurses who believe in their abilities to perform and who possess assertive communication skills are more successful, resulting in better patient outcomes. Purpose: The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine newly practicing registered nurses' perceived level of self-efficacy, perceived level of assertiveness, and perceived interprofessional collaboration. Participants: Former members of the National Student Nurses Association who graduated in 2017 and 2018 and are now working as registered professional nurses. Methods: The quantitative survey was comprised of three tools, demographic questions, and one additional qualitative open-ended question. The three tools used were General Self-Efficacy Scale, Simplified Rathus Assertiveness Scale-Short Form, and Interprofessional Collaboration Scale. An electronic survey was sent to 3,793 graduates with a follow-up reminder two weeks later. Of the responses, 410 met inclusion criteria for analysis. Statistical methods employed for analysis with the use of SPSS included descriptive analysis, point-biserial and Pearson's product-moment correlations, ANOVA, and t-tests. An additional open-ended qualitative question was included to inquire about perceived current interprofessional collaborative practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Key findings demonstrated statistically significant correlations between the variables of perceived self-efficacy, perceived assertiveness, and interprofessional collaboration. Additional findings related to demographic characteristics showed that there were positive significant correlations between both age and assertiveness as well as age and self-efficacy. In addition, the sample was then divided into two groups RNs with less than two years of working experience and RNs with more than two years of working experience. The years of RN working experience did yield significant differences. No differences between groups were noted for nursing degree type or prior healthcare employment. Responses to an open-ended question inquiring about the RNs' current practice, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, were reviewed for common themes and showed that almost 43% of the participants expressed that the pandemic had a negative impact on interprofessional collaborative practice. Conclusion and Implications The information obtained from this study will add to the body of knowledge about newly practicing nurses' perceived self-efficacy, perceived assertiveness, and perceived interprofessional collaborative practice. The results obtained may guide future curriculum development;healthcare systems policies, workplace education, and training programs for all professional staff;and research in interprofessional education. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)