A study of the profiles of perceived inadequate qualifications and associated factors among nursing interns: a latent profile analysis.

PURPOSE: To identify the latent profiles of nursing interns' Perceived Inadequate Qualifications and to analyze their influencing factors.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 579 nursing interns from a medical college and a health vocational college in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China, was surveyed between May and September 2025. Data were collected Using a general information questionnaire, the Perceived Inadequate Qualifications Scale, psychological capital Questionnaire, Statistical analysis contained latent profile analysis, and unordered multinomial logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The Perceived Inadequate Qualifications of nursing interns were categorized into four types: "the Severe Type" (22.3%), "the Moderate Type" (45.4%), "the Mild Type" (22.5%), "Competent Qualification Type" (9.8%). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed across these four categories regarding reasons for choosing nursing as a profession, attitudes toward the nursing profession, occurrence of nursing errors during clinical practice, perceived psychological stress levels, satisfaction with knowledge and skills acquired during practice, ability to effectively integrate theoretical knowledge with clinical practice, and psychological capital.

CONCLUSION

The Perceived Inadequate Qualifications of nursing interns exhibit heterogeneity.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING EDUCATION: Nursing educators and administrators should develop targeted clinical preceptorship models based on the latent profiles. They should promptly assess students' professional competency and strengthen psychological support to mitigate feelings of underqualification.