Longitudinal analysis of postlicensure student competency perceptions

Background: A longitudinal evaluation of the final year of the Oregon Consortium of Nursing Education (OCNE) curriculum was undertaken to explore students' perception of competency and benchmark proficiency. Method: A retrospective, longitudinal mixed-methods study of postlicensure students was tracked from the initial Transition course to the final Capstone course to evaluate levels of attainment. Researchers used previously developed language categories of attainment for each benchmark to determine perceived competence. Results: Researcher analysis tested the narrative language of attainment levels using prior developed themes. Researchers coded student attainment levels in the Capstone course compared with the initial Transition course, with higher confidence for Competencies for Relationship-Centered Care and Clinical Judgment and lower confidence for Leadership and Population Care Competencies. Conclusion: This analysis provided a deeper understanding of RN-to-baccalaureate student confidence toward attaining 10 OCNE competencies, supporting the continued development of a curriculum to address areas of low perceived competence. Tracking these competencies may strengthen accreditation processes.