Abstract
BACKGROUND: Self-efficacy is task-specific, and Professional self-efficacy has been introduced as a factor affecting providing quality nursing care. This study aimed to determine the effects of training the nursing process using the concept map on the caring self-efficacy of nursing students in pediatric departments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 82 undergraduate nursing students in the second semester of 2021-2022 with a design of two groups before and after training. The samples were selected by census and divided into two experimental and control groups by simple random allocation. The data collection tool was Nursing Caring Self-Efficacy Scale in pediatric departments. The students of two groups in the pediatrics course were trained in the nursing process for nine sessions in three weeks using the concept map. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage, mean and standard deviation) and inferential tests (Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, exact Fisher's) using SPSS 23. RESULTS: The study results showed no statistical difference between the two groups of students regarding demographic information and pre-test scores. The concept map group's post-test score of caring self-efficacy increased significantly compared to the pre-test (P < 0.001). The comparison of the post-test scores in the groups showed that the caring self-efficacy score in the intervention group of students was significantly higher than the control group (P = 0.014). CONCLUSION: According to the study results, it is suggested instructors use the concept map as a metacognitive intervention has increased the caring self-efficacy of nursing students in pediatric departments, which will lead to more accurate performance of nursing students in the future.