Construction and Validation of a Contextualized Competency Framework for Newly Recruited Nurses in Maternal and Child Health Hospitals

Objectives: Existing nursing competency instruments are generally designed for broad nursing populations and may not fully capture the observable, task-linked, and developmental requirements of newly recruited nurses in maternal and child health (MCH) hospitals. This study developed the Newly recruited nurses’ Competency Framework for Maternal and Child Health Hospitals (NCF-MCH) and preliminarily validated its corresponding self-assessment tool. Methods: Guided by Benner’s novice-to-expert perspective and Mills’ reconceptualised competency terminology, the framework was developed through a structured literature and framework review, item mapping, two-round Delphi consultation, and pilot testing. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among newly recruited nurses from four MCH hospitals. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and reliability and validity analyses were performed. Results: The final framework included six domains and 70 items. The scale showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.944), but weak total split-half reliability (0.585). Exploratory factor analysis using principal axis factoring with Promax rotation suggested a six-factor solution explaining 59.01% of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis showed acceptable absolute fit (χ2/df = 1.675, SRMR = 0.0595, RMSEA = 0.055), whereas incremental fit was marginal (TLI = 0.861, CFI = 0.866). Convergent and discriminant validity analyses provided preliminary support for the multidimensional structure. Conclusions: The NCF-MCH provides a context-specific framework and corresponding self-assessment tool for describing self-perceived competency among newly recruited nurses in MCH hospitals. It may inform professional transition programs and competency-based training, but further external, longitudinal, and objective validation is required.