The Effect of Job Characteristics and Professional Self-concept on Competency of Forensic Nursing among Perioperative Nurses

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of job characteristics and professional self-concept on competency in forensic nursing among operating room nurses at university hospitals. Methods: Data were collected from 164 operating room nurses employed at university hospitals. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS version 23.0, using the mean, standard deviation, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Scheffé post-hoc test, Pearson correlation coeffi ents, and multiple regression analysis. Results: Professional self-concept showed a statistically signifi t positive correlation with forensic nursing competency (r = .60, p < .001). The following factors signifi tly infl enced forensic nursing competency among operating room nurses: professional self-concept (^β= .69, p < .001), total career lengths of < 5 years (^β= .21, p = .006) and 5-9 years (^β= .20, p = .011), and job characteristics (^β=.19, p = .007). A three-step regression model was statistically signifi t (F = 29.74, p < .001) and the total explanatory power of the regression model was 41.4%. Conclusion: This study identifi that professional self-concept, total career years, and job characteristics as the most signifi t factors infl encing operating room nurses’ forensic nursing competency. Therefore, it will be necessary to develop educational programs to improve professional self-concept and job characteristics.