Table 3 Illustration of the categories, subcategories, and attributes indicating hallmarks of unsafe practices

I. Underdeveloped knowledge and cognitive capacity

1. Lack of Technical skills and abilities

1. failure in initial and continuous assessment

2. Failure to implement/demonstrate clinical skills.

3. Failure to properly administer medication

2. Insufficient nontechnical skills and abilities

1. Failure to manage priority tasks

2. Lack of situational awareness

3. Defects/delays in clinical decision-making

4. Deficits in teamwork and interprofessional cooperation

5. Deficits in interpersonal communication skills

6. Failure to report information and important matters to others

3. Limited knowledge

1. Deficits in knowledge about theoretical topics, diseases, care, and working with equipment

2. Deficits in Knowledge of safety principles, precautions, and preventive measures

3. Deficits in knowledge of duties and actions accordingly

4. Unrefined clinical reasoning and judgment

1. Deficits in intellectual movement from data to nursing diagnosis

2. Failure to rely on learnings and scientific evidence in practice

3. Failure to choose appropriate solutions/nursing activities for the patient’s problems

5. non-Patient-centered care

1. Failure to provide holistic care for the patient

2. Focusing only on performing the procedure for the patient instead of being patient-centered

3. Failure to consider the preferences and opinions of the patient/family caregivers

6. Inappropriate attitudes about nursing

1. Procedure-oriented and nonacademic view of nursing

2. Unenthusiastic attitudes to nursing

3. Self-centeredness/doing procedures arbitrarily and without obtaining permission

III. Underdeveloped personal-professional capacity

1. Lack of conscientiousness

1. Lack of knowledge/noncompliance with rules and regulations

2. Lack of moral sensitivity/deficiency in ethics and professional integrity

3. Lack of responsibility and professional accountability

4. Lying (dishonesty) and data fabrication

5. Ignoring learning opportunities

6. Irregularity and ineffective attendance at an internship

2. Deficit in psychological readiness

1. Unmanaged anxiety, stress, and fear

2. Difficulty in adapting to the clinical environment

3. Feeling of inadequacy and low self-esteem

4. Student dependence on others (dependent personality)

3. Inappropriate professional appearance

1. Failure to comply with the uniform set determined by the institution

2. Improper hygiene and grooming

4. Inappropriate behaviors

1. Uncontrolled anger and aggression

2. Fatigue and sleepiness

3. Unprofessional behaviors in clinical settings.