Nursing Professional Identity: Facilitators and Influencers Among Nurses in Practice

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the factors influencing professional identity (PI) in nurses across the career continuum and practice spectrum. BACKGROUND: A robust PI is associated with well-being, resilience, job satisfaction, role retention, and remaining in the profession. Emerging research examines the nature of PI in nurses in practice. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey using a convenience sample of nurses in a large US healthcare system. RESULTS: Nine hundred thirty-one complete responses were analyzed. Professional identity was found to be dynamic in nature, and influenced by self-concept, role, and work environment. Nurses who engaged in shared leadership, champion, or mentor roles had stronger PI. Access to leadership, team cohesion, recognition, and well-being all impacted PI. CONCLUSIONS: Both intrinsic and external factors can shape PI. Leveraging standards of the Magnet Recognition Program® and providing recognition of nurses' value can foster nursing PI, deepening commitment to the role and profession of nursing.