TABLE 4.

Correlations between self‐directed learning abilities and competence (Pearson's r)

	Self‐directed learning abilities
Competence (NCS)	Awareness	Attitudes	Motivation	Learning strategy	Learning methods	Learning activity	Interpersonal skills	Constructing knowledge	Total SRSSDL_ITA
Helping role	0.47*	0.37*	0.35*	0.41*	0.36*	0.33*	0.38*	0.25*	0.49*
Teaching – coaching	0.42*	0.37*	0.34*	0.40*	0.33*	0.33*	0.37*	0.25*	0.47*
Diagnostic functions	0.42*	0.38*	0.30*	0.38*	0.31*	0.31*	0.37*	0.24*	0.45*
Managing situations	0.39*	0.37*	0.31*	0.34*	0.27*	0.28*	0.32*	0.21*	0.42*
Therapeutic interventions	0.37*	0.33*	0.33*	0.35*	0.29*	0.26*	0.32*	0.26*	0.41*
Ensuring quality	0.39*	0.34*	0.34*	0.35*	0.34*	0.29*	0.34*	0.27*	0.44*
Work role	0.36*	0.34*	0.34*	0.34*	0.28*	0.28*	0.30*	0.23*	0.40*
Overall competence	0.47*	0.42*	0.38*	0.43*	0.36*	0.35*	0.40*	0.29*	0.52*

Abbreviations: NCS, Nurse Competence Scale; r, Pearson's coefficient; SRSSDL_ITA, Self‐Rating Scale of Self‐Directed Learning.

*Significance level p < .0001.