Professional identity development, self-efficacy and sense of coherence in Nursing Education

Abstract

Abstract Background. For nursing students, it is important to learn how to think as a nurse and have a professional identity development. Nursing students are required a safe learning environment and reflection time to enhance their professional identity. The purpose of this study was firstly to examine nursing students’ professional identity development during education. Secondly it was to investigate the predictive value of self-efficacy and Sence of Coherence (SOC) on the professional identity of nursing students also during the education. Methods. A longitudinal study design was used to explore this development during education time. The relationship between sense of coherence, self-efficacy and professional identity were explored. Data were collected through self-reported questionnaires, three times. Statistical software jamovi 1.2.9 was used for the data analysis. Repeated measures ANOVA, and a multiple linear regression analysis were performed. Result. Professional identity development increased over time, and changes from Time 1–Time 3 were statistically significant. The only statistically significant predictor was students’ self-efficacy. Conclusion. To integrate self-efficacy when preparing the curriculum for nursing students, can lead to more competent nurses, and further on professional nurses with a higher level of professional identity.