Development and psychometric evaluation of the Self-Regulated Nursing Care Scale (SRNCS) among Turkish nurses

Background: Self-regulation refers to individuals’ ability to control themselves, manage their behaviours and learn from their environment. Self-regulated learning skills may support nurses in providing effective care. This study aimed to develop and psychometrically evaluate the Self-Regulated Nursing Care Scale (SRNCS) for assessing nurses’ self-regulated nursing care skills based on Zimmerman’s Self-Regulated Learning Model (Z’SLM) and the relevant literature. Methods: The planning, implementation and evaluation components of nursing care were considered in relation to the forethought, performance and self-reflection phases of Z’SLM. Data were collected online between November 2022 and January 2023 from nurses working in state hospitals. Content validity was assessed through expert review. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed using data from 201 and 239 nurses, respectively. Criterion validity and reliability were also examined. Results: EFA yielded a 16-item, three-dimensional structure comprising planning, implementation, and evaluation and explaining 63.9% of the total variance. CFA supported this three-factor structure in an independent sample. Criterion validity was supported by correlations with the Counselling Skills in Nurses Scale. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.95 for the overall scale and 0.81, 0.87, and 0.93 for the planning, implementation, and evaluation dimensions, respectively. The test-retest reliability coefficient was 0.77. Conclusion: The findings support the validity and reliability of the Turkish form of the SRNCS for assessing self-regulated care skills among nurses providing inpatient care. The scale may be used in research and clinical settings to assess planning, implementation and evaluation dimensions of self-regulated nursing care. Future studies may examine relationships between SRNCS scores and care-related outcomes.