Self-regulated nursing care scale (SRNCS): a study of development, reliability and validity

Background: Having self-regulated learning skills of nurses can support them to provide effective and quality care. This research is a scale development research aiming to measure nurses' self-regulated care skills. Methods A survey study using a researcher-designed quantitative questionnaire. Self-regulated learning models developed by reviewing the literature were determined and based on Zimmerman's Self-Regulated Learning Model, an item pool was created in line with the content validity, and the opinions of the relevant field experts were taken. Explanatory Factor Analysis of the scale was conducted with data collected from 201 nurses and Confirmatory Factor Analysis from 239 nurses. Results Exploratory Factor Analysis was carried out in line with the construct validity, and a three-dimensional (planning, implementation and evaluation) structure that explains 70.7% of the total variance was discovered. This three-dimensional structure was confirmed by the data collected from different nurse groups (239 participants) by Confirmatory Factor Analysis. In order to ensure criterion-based validity, correlation analysis was performed by taking the current scale CNS as criterion, and criterion validity was ensured. In the reliability analysis, the Cronbach Alpha coefficient of internal consistency was calculated as .95 for the overall scale, .81 for the planning dimension, .87 for the implementation dimension, .93 for the evaluation dimension, .91 for the split-half reliability coefficient, and .77 for the test-retest reliability coefficient. Conclusions According to the results obtained, it can be said that the scale is a valid and reliable tool in measuring nurses' self-regulated care skills.