Introduction:

The appropriate dominion of the competences in the nursing and obstetrics studies is a challenge to the curriculum designers due to the constant evolution of the working demands.

Objective:

To explore the perceptions of nursing graduates regarding their acquired competences during their school formation.

Methods:

This is qualitative phenomenological study. Eight participants were selected by typical case sampling for an in-depth semi-structured interview. After the transcription of the audio recordings, data were analyzed, coded, and categorized using the ATLAS.ti version 7.5 software.

Results:

11 categories related to the competences in the nursing graduate profile were identified: 1) selfcare; 2) lifestyle; 3) knowledge; 4) integral care; 5) fundamentals and methodologies; 6) scientific knowledge; 7) scientific method; 8) administration; 9) management abilities; 10) training; 11) professional development. Four additional categories were created: education and teaching, stages of life, clinical practice, and preventive practice.

Discussion:

Similar studies were not found. The findings based on a phenomenological approach can yield rich diverse testimonies related to the perceptions of nursing graduates about their own preparation status for the working life.

Conclusions:

The nursing graduates perceive themselves as prepared for the working life. Their strengths are their competences related to the application of the nursing process, the integral care of the person, and the capacity of leadership. The competences related to research methodology, epidemiology, and English were perceived as not sufficient. These findings allow the identification of areas of improvement in the curricula and the corresponding teaching staff integration.