Clinical Competence of the Graduate Nurse in the Emergency Department in Saudi Arabia

The level of competence among new Saudi graduate nurses working in the Emergency Department of 14 hospitals in Saudi Arabia was explored for the first time. Nurses perceived themselves as good communicators, and had divided opinions on whether they were satisfied with their competence. Educators perceived them as not adequately prepared and unsafe. Recommendations include supportive Emergency Care Orientation programs for new graduates in transition to staff nurse.