Operational nurse managers' perceptions on the competence of community service nurses in public settings in the Western Cape.

Background: Community service nurses placed in the Western Cape Government public health facilities render essential healthcare to underserved populations. Anecdotal evidence from operational nurse managers indicated concerns that community service nurses may lack competence in basic required nursing competencies.

Objectives: To investigate operational nurse managers' perceptions of the competence of community service nurses in public health facilities in the Western Cape.