An Analysis of the Communicative Competence Level of Students: A Case of Nursing Students in a State University in Nothern Philippines

Abstract

For several years, the linguistic ability of student-nurses has been assessed using standardized tests. To assess their overall communicative competence level (linguistic, discourse, sociolinguistic, and strategic competencies), the researcher made use of a self-made, reliable, and valid communicative assessment packet. As a result, the assessment of the level of communicative competence of the student nurses revealed that they are advanced in terms of linguistic, discourse, sociolinguistic, and strategic competencies. The outcomes of the study proved further that student nurses have a broad knowledge of their field, possess a high level of communicative competencies, and effectively practice professional, technical and soft skills involved in the world of quality nursing care. However, additional language lessons and activities which are aligned to clinical and hospital settings may still be added to the BSN curriculum for the student nurses to reach the competent level.