J Korean Acad Nurs Adm.  2025 Sep;31(4):458-468. 10.11111/jkana.2025.0018.

The Influence of Clinical Practice Nurses' Self-Leadership, Role Conflict, and Practice Environment on Patient Safety Competency

• KMID: 2576344
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11111/jkana.2025.0018

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to examine the relationships among self-leadership, role conflict, practice environment, and patient safety competency, and to identify factors influencing patient safety competency in clinical practice nurses. Methods: A total of 152 clinical practice nurses from four university hospitals participated in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed to identify key predictors of patient safety competency. Results: Patient safety competency was positively associated with self-leadership, the practice environment, and the presence of regular educational programs tailored for clinical practice nurses. Self-leadership and the practice environment were identified as significant predictors, explaining 30% of the variance in patient safety competency. Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of fostering self-leadership and enhancing the practice environment to improve patient safety competency among clinical practice nurses. Tailored education and training programs aimed at strengthening self-leadership skills should be developed. Additionally, organizational efforts to optimize the clinical practice environment are essential to support safe and effective nursing practice.