Katarina Fofić, Marin Čargo, Ivica Matić

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.64332/ujbb.25.1.7

Abstract
Background: Numerous studies highlight the importance of monitoring the preparedness of final-year nursing students for entry into the profession. Although various questionnaires assessing professional preparedness among students have been developed, most of them have not yet been translated into Croatian or validated for use among Croatian nursing students.

Aim: The aim of this study was to present the Croatian translation of the Perceived Professional Preparedness of Nursing Students Questionnaire (PPPNS), evaluate its construct validity, and determine its reliability for application among Croatian nursing students in their final year of study.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 200 final-year students of Bachelor of Nursing (BN) and Master of Nursing (MN) studies. Data were collected using the Professional Preparedness of Nursing Students questionnaire during January 2024. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed.

Results: The initial 19-item model did not demonstrate satisfactory fi t indices; therefore, four items with low factor loadings were removed. After revision, the modified 15-item questionnaire demonstrated good psychometric properties with acceptable model fit indices and high overall internal consistency.

Conclusion: The results indicate that the Croatian version of the PPPNS-15 questionnaire is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing nursing students’ perceived preparedness for independent clinical practice. Its use can significantly contribute to enhancing the quality of nursing education for future nurses in Croatia.

Keywords: professional preparedness, students, nursing, PPPNS