Objective:

Validate an instrument, which identifies the competencies to develop research.

Methods:

A multi-phase design: 1) Semantic creation of the instrument; 2) Validation by judges; 3) Pilot test; 4) Pragmatic feasibility; and 5) Exploratory factorial analysis.

Results:

First, three dimensions with Likert-type answers were structured. In the second stage, the validity Index by item, the validity criterion, and the content validity were calculated. On the third stage, the instrument was applied and a .933 Cronbach's alpha was obtained. The fourth stage was developed under a quasi-experimental design (GE vs. GC) with a test-retest statistical model (p=.001). In the last one, three components emerged; the items present with high factorial loads for each component.

Conclusions:

An instrument was created to measure and improve skills to develop nursing research projects, this will strengthen disciplinary knowledge, care actions, and patient health outcomes.