ABSTRACT
Objective:To evaluate the competence of head nurses by using the in-basket test for establishing a hierarchical training system for these nurses.Methods:A set of in-basket test was independently designed to evaluate the head nurses of a tertiary hospital in September 2021.Fourteen competency indicators, including positive initiative, coordination and communication ability, and leadership, problem solving ability, motivation, empowerment, attention to quality and order, etc, were selected to analyze the answers of the in-basket test and score their competency level. The measures were described by Mean±SD and M(IQR), and the counts were described by rates and percentages. The rank sum test and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the influencing factors of competency scoring of head nurses. Results:A total of 133 head nurses were tested, with a total competency scoring of 30.0(5.5). The highest indicators were talent cultivation 3.0(2.0), positive initiative 3.0(1.0), coordination and communication ability 3.0(1.0), while those with lower scores were empowerment 1.0(1.0) and motivation 1.5(1.5). The rank sum test analysis showed that age, position, job position character and working seniority were the influencing factors of competency score( P<0.05). The multiple linear regression analysis showed that, working seniorities of 16-20 years( β=0.583, P=0.013), 21-25 years( β=0.732, P=0.008), 26-30 years( β=0.632, P=0.026) were the influencing factors of competency score of head nurses. Conclusions:The in-basket test is practical to evaluate the competence of head nurses as a basis for their targeted training in the future.