Building Consensus on the Essential Quantitative Competencies, Skills, and Practices for Entry-Level Nurses

Nurs Educ Perspect. 2025 Mar-Apr;46(2):E12-E17. doi: 10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000001377. Epub 2025 Feb 7.

Abstract

Aim: Nursing and mathematics educators sought to establish consensus on the essential quantitative competencies, skills, and practices for entry-level nurses.

Background: National recommendations have called for the identification of quantitative skills and competencies necessary for safe nursing practice.

Method: A descriptive survey design was utilized to gather input from educators across the United States. Individuals were asked to classify 64 quantitative-related items as essential, not essential but nice to have, or not necessary for safe practice. Responses were analyzed using a three-item Likert scale. Fisher's exact test was used to explore differences between associate and bachelor's levels.

Results: Individuals across 31 states ( n = 76) completed the survey. Items within five content domains were identified as essential. Significant differences were identified within probability and statistics.

Conclusion: The findings offer a basis for further collaborative efforts to identify the most appropriate educational offerings and practices to support nursing students' quantitative education.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Clinical Competence* / standards
  • Consensus*
  • Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate* / standards
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Students, Nursing / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States