Table 2.

Table of sum variables measuring skills

Skills sum variables with associated items and their factor loadings
Patient observations		21.12 Subcutaneous injection as e.g. fragmin	-.33	23.1 Exploit patient bed’s mechanical function	.66
21.24 Take pulse	.88	Nursing documentation		23.4 Use appropriate tools for body mechanics	.56
21.23 Take blood pressure	.80	44.4 Update nursing plan	-.83	23.2 Use sliding mat for moving patient in bed	.45
21.27 Take temperature	.50	44.3 Develop nursing plan	-.83	Simple procedures
21.26 Count respiration frequency	.50	44.6 Register patient in national register	-.62	21.25 Weigh a patient	.48
Advanced procedures		44.5 Write nursing report for dismissal/referral	-.60	21.11 Perform ostomy care	.41
21.16 Use of central venous catheter	-.79	Treatment		Make oneself understood
21.15 Handle intravenous pumps	-.77	21.2 Inject insulin	-.72	48.2 Make yourself understood around colleagues	.72
21.18 Administer intravenous medication	-.76	21.1 Monitor blood glucose	-.72	48.1 Make yourself understood around patients	.55
21.17 Puncture via Venous Access Port	-.71	21.7 Dispense medication	-.50	Electronic communication
21.5 Insert permanent urinary catheters	-.59	21.6 Apply/change transdermal analgesic patch	-.39	44.7 Send electronic message to physician	-.72
21.4 Insert intermittent urinary catheter on man	-.55	21.8 Wound care	-.37	44.8 Send electronic message to hospital	-.48
21.13 Intramuscular injection	-.55	21.10 Administer nebulizer treatment	-.36	Patient assessment
21.19 Handle a drain	-.46			21.28 Assess patient’s urine	.86
21.14 Blood sampling	-.45	Body mechanics		21.29 Assess patient’s stool	.82
21.20 Handle ECG	-.42	23.3 Adjust patient bed to own elbows’ height	.74	21.22 Assess skin of patient	.67
21.3 Insert intermittent urinary catheter on woman	-.38	23.5 Use patient lift	.71	21.21 Assess whether a patient has edema	.55