Effectiveness of Pre-Employment Training in Improving the Basic Competencies, Level of Confidence and Reducing Anxiety among Nurses in Selected Tertiary Hospital in Muntinlupa City
Authors: Martinez Dr. Jon-Jon T. , Ranoco Joane Paula Silva 
Published: December 2024

Background: The pre-employment training consists of structured programs designed to prepare novice nurses for their specific roles within a healthcare organization. The critical components of Pre-Employment Basic Competencies training are the following: Orientation- it introduces nurses to the hospital environment, its mission, vision, and core values; Clinical Competencies – focus on essential skills such as medication administration, intravenous line insertion, wound care, carrying out of orders and many more. Nurses should familiarize themselves with the Hospital Information System. They need to learn inter-professional collaboration among colleagues, effective teamwork, and communication. Hospital protocols and policies are emphasized to prevent errors and adverse events. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of critical reflection training among novice nurses in enhancing their clinical critical-thinking abilities, communication competency, and job performance.

Method: This study employed a converged mixed methods approach, incorporating quantitative and qualitative methodologies. This meticulously designed mixed methods study employed 100 respondents using a stratified random technique. In a qualitative study, purposive sampling was utilized in 10 selected participants based on provided insights into the training effectiveness.

Results: The study highlights the significant positive impact of the pre-employment competency program on newly hired nurses. The program enhanced participants’ clinical skills, communication abilities, and critical thinking. Most participants, predominantly young female nurses with less than five years of experience, reported a marked increase in their confidence and reduced anxiety related to their nursing duties. Results indicate the program was highly influential, scoring 4.52, categorized as “Very Effective.” The training significantly increased confidence (t = 18.4633, p = 0.000) and reduced anxiety (t = -7.80, p = 0.001), equipping nurses with the skills needed for clinical practice. Key strengths included patient assessment (4.66), critical thinking (4.60), psychomotor skills (4.50), and decision-making (4.50). Simulation exercises, hands-on practice, and role-playing contributed to reduced anxiety and improved confidence by familiarizing nurses with real-world scenarios in a supportive environment.

Nurses also reported enhanced communication skills, teamwork, and professional interactions. The training effectively aligned with role-specific responsibilities, addressing critical clinical competencies while identifying areas for curriculum refinement. Findings underscore the value of such programs in preparing nurses for professional roles, enhancing patient care quality, and fostering a confident, competent workforce. Continuous updates and targeted training are recommended to meet evolving nursing demands. The training also addressed communication skills and complaint management effectively. Participants benefited from learning effective communication techniques and engaging in role-playing exercises, which improved their interactions with doctors, co-workers, and patients. The focus on handling complaints and conflicts equipped nurses with strategies to manage difficult situations more confidently, thereby reducing anxiety and enhancing their effectiveness in dealing with various scenarios in the healthcare environment.

Despite the overall success of the training program, some gaps in coverage were noted, particularly about specific role responsibilities and essential topics. Demographic factors, such as gender and years of experience, also influenced participants’ experiences and outcomes. Future iterations of the program should address these gaps by refining content to cover all essential topics comprehensively and considering demographic variations to tailor the training more effectively. This approach will ensure that the program continues to support new nurses in delivering high-quality patient care and improving their job satisfaction.