Future required competencies of Thai nursing graduates: Nursing stakeholders’ perspectives (original) (raw)

2021, Suparpit von Bormann and others

ABSTRACT Thai nursing graduate competencies during an emerging country context based on nursing stakeholders’ perspectives are unclear. The purpose of this descriptive qualitative research was to identify the future required competencies of nursing graduates based on stakeholders' perspectives. A ‘model graduate’ was additionally proposed. Twenty-five stakeholders in nursing were divided into three groups, including 1) eight nurse executives and a representative from Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council (TNMC), 2) eight nursing students, and 3) eight lecturers. A focus group discussion question guide was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using content analysis, a deductive approach. The categorization matrix of nursing competencies was established based on the literature reviews. The results reveal that the future required competencies identified by the stakeholders were in line with competencies set by TNMC, Thailand Qualification Framework, and 21st Century Skills. The stakeholders emphasized nine outstanding competencies, including 1) Passion and Compassion, 2) Critical and Creative Thinking, 3) Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving, 4) Dealing with Challenges 5) Leadership, Team Work, and Management, 6) Research Competency, 7) Effective Communication, 8) Information Technology, and 9) Local Wisdom. The researchers proposed a model of future required competencies for nursing graduates. In summary, the future required competencies are versatile. These competencies should be applied to develop nursing curriculum in response to health needs in emerging country contexts. Key words: nursing graduates, required competencies, stakeholders’ perspective, qualitative research