Moments That Shape Professional Identity in Prelicensure Nursing Students

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Professional Identity Development

Background:

• Professional identity (PI) is linked to job satisfaction and retention in nursing.
• Fostering PI during nursing education may reduce burnout and turnover.
• Limited research exists on how specific learning experiences influence PI development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the connections between educational experiences and the development of professional identity in nursing students.

Main Methods:

• An open-ended prompt was used to gather student experiences related to PI.
• Thematic analysis was applied to identify key themes in student responses.

Main Results:

• Four themes emerged: relationships, confidence, autonomy, and hinge moments.
• Positive relationships with patients, preceptors, and colleagues were vital.
• Experiences enhancing confidence and autonomy were essential.
• Hinge moments, like significant patient interactions, were pivotal.

Conclusions:

• Key factors shaping nursing PI include relationships, confidence, autonomy, and hinge moments.
• Hands-on learning experiences, such as simulations and early clinical exposure, are crucial for PI development.