Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41612358›Full record

ArticleBMC nursing2026

The influence of nursing education and sociodemographic variables on gerontogeriatric competencies among newly graduated nurses.

Maria José Catalão, Helena Arco, Nuno Carrajola, João Tavares

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC nursing, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Maria José CatalãoDepartment of Health Sciences and Technologies, School of Health, Portalegre Polytechnic University, Campus Politécnico 10, Portalegre, 7300 - 555, Portugal. maria.catalao@ipportalegre.pt.
Helena ArcoDepartment of Health Sciences and Technologies, School of Health, Portalegre Polytechnic University, Campus Politécnico 10, Portalegre, 7300 - 555, Portugal.
Nuno CarrajolaDepartment of Health Sciences and Technologies, School of Health, Portalegre Polytechnic University, Campus Politécnico 10, Portalegre, 7300 - 555, Portugal.
João TavaresRISE, Health Sciences Research Unit: School of Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, 3810 - 198, Portugal.

Funding

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P. UID/06173/2025
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe growing demand for gerontogeriatric care requires well-prepared nurses, capable of addressing the complex needs of older adults. However, questions remain as to whether current nursing education adequately prepares newly graduated registered nurses (NGRNs) to deliver evidence-based care. Identifying the factors that influence competency acquisition is essential to improving nursing curricula and clinical training programs. The aim of this study is to examine the variables influencing gerontogeriatric competencies among NGRNs, focusing on sociodemographic characteristics, educational background, clinical training experiences, and curriculum content.

methodsThis is a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study. A nationwide survey was conducted among Portuguese NGRNs who completed their nursing education in 2021–2022. The final sample comprised 242 participants. Gerontogeriatric competencies were assessed using the GGC scale, with scores standardized on a 0–1 scale. The data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests, followed by multiple linear regression models. Self-reported confidence in working with older adults was the strongest predictor (β = 0.114), and the final model explained 15.2% of the variance in overall competency scores (R2 = 0.152).

resultsThe sample comprised 242 NGRNs (median age = 23; 83.9% women). Confidence in working with older adults emerged as the strongest predictor of higher scores across all Gerontogeriatric Competency (GGC) subscales (p < 0.001). NGRNs who reported sufficient clinical training duration showed significantly higher scores in competencies such as Communication, Ethics and Deontology, Care for Older Adults, Safety and Quality, and Professional Development (p < 0.01). In contrast, those whose training focused primarily on basic care demonstrated lower scores in the Family/Family Caregiver (p = 0.026) and Management (p = 0.008) subscales. NGRNs who reported supervision that reinforced stereotypes had significantly lower scores in the Family/Family Caregiver and Management competencies (p < 0.01).

conclusionsCompetency development in gerontogeriatric nursing is primarily influenced by confidence, the quality of clinical training, and curriculum content. Strengthening nursing education through integrated gerontogeriatric content, effective supervision, and meaningful clinical experiences is essential to preparing nurses for the complexities of older adult care. These findings support the need for curricular reform and targeted clinical strategies to enhance readiness in gerontogeriatric practice. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

Indexed as

Competency-based educationGerontogeriatric nursingNursing educationOlder adults

Identifiers

PMID41612358
PMCPMC12924606

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.