Heterogeneity in clinical nurses’ core competency and its associations with self-efficacy and self-directed learning ability: a cross-sectional latent profile analysis

OBJECTIVES: To identify latent profiles of core competency among hospital clinical nurses and to examine the associations of self-efficacy and self-directed learning ability with profile membership. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey reported in accordance with Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) principles. SETTING: Two general hospitals in Yanji, Jilin Province, China. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 605 registered clinical nurses who were directly engaged in clinical nursing work were recruited using convenience sampling from January to March 2026. METHODS: Latent profile analysis was conducted using the seven Competency Inventory for Registered Nurses (CIRN) dimension scores as continuous indicators to identify core competency profiles. Univariable analyses were used to compare demographic, occupational and psychological characteristics across profiles. Multivariable multinomial logistic regression was subsequently performed with profile membership as the outcome to examine associated factors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Core competency measured using the seven dimensions of the CIRN, general self-efficacy, self-directed learning ability and latent core competency profile membership. RESULTS: Three profiles were identified: low-level core competency (266/605, 43.97%), moderate-level core competency (254/605, 41.98%) and high-level core competency (85/605, 14.05%). After adjustment for demographic and occupational variables, self-directed learning ability was positively associated with membership of the moderate-level profile (OR 1.119, 95% CI 1.077 to 1.163) and high-level profile (OR 1.142, 95% CI 1.078 to 1.210) rather than the low-level profile. General self-efficacy showed similar positive associations with the moderate-level profile (OR 1.161, 95% CI 1.113 to 1.213) and high-level profile (OR 1.578, 95% CI 1.452 to 1.715). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical nurses' core competency showed clear heterogeneity, with a relatively small high-level subgroup. Self-directed learning ability and self-efficacy were modifiable correlates of more favourable competency profiles and may inform stratified competency development strategies.