Table 1

Factor structure of modified survey instrument

Factor 1 (accounting for 36.198% variance, Cronbach's α = 0.8644): Flexibility and application of knowledge

Actively assisting in change management activities (0.679)

Interpreting own patient data (0.656)

Inputting data into written or computerized records (0.646)

Interpreting results from clinical investigations (0.624)

Planning patients' discharge (0.601)

Instructing/training junior staff (0.583)

Introducing new ideas into own clinical work (0.576)

Locating and accessing relevant equipment for own clinical work (0.448)

Factor 2 (accounting for 5.144% of the variance; Cronbach's α = 0.8482): Reflective practice

Appraising own and others' performance (0.610)

Recognizing and managing risk in clinical care (0.594)

Assessing patients' psychological and social needs (0.570)

Consulting with colleagues about care options (0.548)

Critically evaluating published research (0.536)

Assessing patients' physical needs (0.530)

Assisting patients in making informed choices (0.514)

Developing a shared mission of clinical goals (0.466)

Factor 3 (accounting for 3.428% of the variance; Cronbach's α = 0.8238): Decision making

Undertaking health promotion activities (0.628)

Using technical equipment (0.564)

Developing joint working arrangements with others (0.554)

Showing patients and their families how to do things (0.545)

Undertaking budget planning activities (0.535)

Making decisions about patients' clinical problems (0.528)

Working as a member of a team (0.409)

Factor 4 (accounting for 2.952% of the variance; Cronbach's α = 0.8411): Technical and administrative procedures

Writing clinical, shift and other reports (0.617)

Collecting own clinical/patient/surveillance data (0.562)

Undertaking technical nursing procedures (0.542)

Getting on with colleagues (0.521)

Prioritizing work according to patients' needs (0.468)

Undertaking clinical examinations of patients (0.454)

Analysing patient data (0.429)

Factor 5 (accounting for 2.784% of the variance; Cronbach's α = 0.7732): Relationships and investigations

Identifying areas worthy of investigation in own practice (0.684)

Applying pharmacology to practice (0.678)

Establishing a relationship with patients (0.565)

Designing systems for patient monitoring/observation (0.561)

Liaising with other health care professionals (0.514)

Factor 6 (accounting for 2.643% of the variance; Cronbach's α = 0.7068): Case management

Requesting laboratory investigations and results (0.586)

Making appropriate patient referrals (0.549)

Planning/organizing patients' treatments (0.538)

Undertaking administrative duties (0.515)

Assessing costs and outcomes of procedures (0.360)

Hennessy et al. Human Resources for Health 2006 4:8   doi:10.1186/1478-4491-4-8