Work Experience, Nursing Competency, and Self-Compassion of Nurses in San Pablo City
Keywords:
Nursing competency, San Pablo City, Laguna, Self-compassion, Years of experienceAbstract
This study examined the relationship between nurses’ self compassion and nursing competence among hospital nurses in San Pablo City, Laguna. While nurses are expected to show compassion toward patients, self compassion is often overlooked. Guided by Patricia Benner’s Novice-to-Expert Theory, the study used a multidimensional nursing competency framework covering clinical care, communication, safety and professionalism, evidence based practice, and leadership. A quantitative descriptive-correlational design was employed with 159 nurses from five public and private hospitals, selected through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, Spearman’s rho, and chi-square tests. Findings showed that most nurses had more than five years of experience, worked eight-hour shifts, and handled a 1:5 nurse-to-patient ratio. Nurses demonstrated moderate self-compassion and proficient nursing competence. Work experience variables were not significantly related to self-compassion, whereas self-compassion was significantly positively related to overall nursing competence across all domains. The findings suggest that self-compassion is an important psychological resource that may help strengthen competence and support quality patient care.
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