Perceptions of Readiness for Practice Among Final-Year Nursing Students in Vietnam: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Nurses’ readiness for practice is a crucial aspect of nursing education, influencing the transition from student to registered nurse. Understanding the self-perceived readiness of students can help educators refine curricula and develop effective support strategies. Objectives: To examine the perceptions of senior nursing students regarding their readiness for practice. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 138 final-year nursing students from a medical university in Vietnam. The Casey-Fink Readiness for Practice Survey was used to assess readiness for practice. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Only 55.8% of the students felt ready for professional practice. Although students were confident in communication and clinical problem-solving, many students lacked confidence in managing multiple patients and performing complex procedures. Key challenges included patient assessment (63.8%), ethical decision-making (59.4%), prioritization (56.5%), and end-of-life care (45.7%). Students were motivated by both altruism and job stability, suggesting that extended clinical exposure is critical for enhancing readiness. Conclusions: Addressing gaps in complex skills, ethical practice, and clinical readiness through enhanced training and mentorship is essential to support the transition of nursing students to professional roles.