Professional Identity in Graduating Nursing Students

Background: This research examines the meaning of nursing professional identity development from the perspectives of both associate degree nursing students and baccalaureate degree nursing students in their final semester. It provides insight into the student's understanding of nursing professional identity and the factors students identified as supporting or detracting from it. Method: Participants were guided through individual interviews using semistructured interview questions and later invited to focus groups with other students to clarify and elaborate on previous comments. Results: Results demonstrated both groups shared many descriptions of what it means to be a nursing professional, including knowledge, caring, teamwork, and integrity. Good communication, confidence, competence, critical thinking, advocacy, and leadership were concepts the participants frequently used to describe the professional nurse. Conclusion: This research helps to further the understanding of this significant topic in nursing education and to serve as a basis for student activities that help foster nursing professional identity formation.