Self-perceived competence of nurses working in digestive endoscopy units: a nationwide cross-sectional survey.

Key Takeaways for GI Nurses

• Self-assessment of competence provides valuable insight into knowledge gaps and confidence levels among endoscopy nursing staff nationwide
• Understanding perceived competence patterns can help identify areas where additional training, mentorship, or professional development may be needed
• Cross-sectional survey data offers a snapshot of the current state of nursing confidence in digestive endoscopy units across different healthcare settings
• Self-perceived competence may not always align with actual clinical skills, highlighting the importance of objective competency validation alongside subjective assessments

Clinical Relevance

This nationwide survey addresses a critical aspect of endoscopy nursing practice by examining how nurses perceive their own competence in digestive endoscopy units. Self-perceived competence directly impacts patient safety, as nurses who feel uncertain about their abilities may hesitate during critical procedures or fail to recognize important clinical situations. Conversely, overconfidence without corresponding skills can lead to potentially dangerous situations. Understanding these perceptions helps nursing leaders and educators develop targeted interventions to bridge competency gaps.

The findings have significant implications for unit operations and staff development programs. Endoscopy units can use this type of data to create more effective orientation programs for new nurses, identify experienced staff who may benefit from refresher training, and develop mentorship programs pairing confident, competent nurses with those who may need additional support. This research also supports the development of standardized competency frameworks specific to endoscopy nursing, which can help ensure consistent skill levels across different units and healthcare systems.

From a professional development perspective, this study highlights the ongoing need for continuing education and competency validation in the rapidly evolving field of digestive endoscopy. As new procedures, technologies, and patient populations continue to challenge endoscopy nurses, regular assessment of both perceived and actual competence becomes essential for maintaining high standards of patient care and professional growth.

Bottom Line

Self-perceived competence among endoscopy nurses varies significantly and may not reflect actual clinical abilities, making this research valuable for developing targeted education programs, improving patient safety protocols, and creating more effective competency assessment tools that combine subjective self-evaluation with objective skill validation in digestive endoscopy units.