Evaluation of Professional Readiness Perceptions and Clinical Practice Skills Among Final-Year Nursing Students
Objective: This study aimed to determine the professional readiness levels of final-year nursing students and their perceptions of the basic nursing skills they believe they have acquired during clinical practice.Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in the 2022–2023 academic year at the faculty of nursing of a state university. The population consisted of 170 students, and the sample included 125 who agreed to participate. Data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form, the Nursing Professional Readiness Perception Scale, and the 152-item Basic Nursing Skills Assessment Form based on the National Core Education Program in Nursing (HUÇEP). Data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0 through descriptive statistics and the Mann–Whitney U test with a significance level of p < 0.05.Results: The students’ mean total readiness score was 4.19±0.48, indicating a high level of readiness. Scores were significantly higher among students who willingly chose nursing (p=.040), felt ready to begin their careers (p =.002), and graduated from vocational health high schools (p=.011). The most frequently acquired skills were vital sign measurement, ECG recording and medication administration, while the least acquired skills were condom catheter application, Leopold’s maneuver and terminal care.Conclusions: Students demonstrated high professional readiness and basic clinical skill acquisition. Long-term, structured training programs are recommended.