Defining sense of belonging in nursing - An evolutionary concept analysis

The purpose of this analysis is to develop the concept of sense of belonging in nursing. The secondary purpose is to identify the antithesis or direct opposite beyond the negative consequences related to a lack of belonging in nursing.

Rodgers' evolutionary method guided the analysis and advancement of sense of belonging in nursing.

Following PRISMA guidelines, peer-reviewed English articles and dissertations were reviewed from PubMed, ERIC, CINAHL, and PsychINFO. Forty-seven articles describing sense of belonging in the nursing profession, both academic and workforce, were included.

Inductive thematic analysis was used to determine recurring themes of the antecedents, attributes, consequences, and antithesis of belonging in nursing.

A welcoming, positive atmosphere encouraging a culture of mentorship is key to developing an environment of belonging. The attributes of belonging include being trusted, valued, and an accepted part of the team, and encouraging a connection to the community. Nurses and nursing students have improved confidence, self-esteem, and motivation to learn when a sense of belonging is present. They feel supported and respected in the environment. However, historically minoritized students and nurses report discrimination, bias, and condescension resulting in feeling invisible, isolated, excluded, and neglected. Nurses and nursing students feel invisible, isolated, excluded, and neglected without a sense of belonging.

Developing a sense of belonging in nurses and nursing students is critical to our profession. Further research is essential to develop interventions and strategies for cultivating a sense of belonging in nursing.