Professional Identity: Concept Analysis Using Rodgers' Evolutionary Method



Dehghanzadeh S¹ ; Nayeri ND² ; Khajeh M¹
Source: Acta Medica Mediterranea Published:2016

Abstract

Introduction: Although professional identity is a concept frequently used in nursing literature, its theoretical origin has remained unclear. On the other hand, investigating this concept is essential to the development of nursing as a profession. Therefore, it is necessary to understand and clarify professional identity and describe its attributes. Material and methods: The framework of this study is Roger's evolutionary method. After a systematic electronic search in MEDLINE, OVID, PROQUEST, and SCIENCE DIRECT databases, 57 articles on nursing and health sciences and 8 nursing theses were analyzed. Results: Five attributes were identified and professional identity was defined as an evolving process resulting from the integrity of education and experience, knowledge and caring, personal and professional identity, and values that is related to group interactions at workplace. Conclusion: Professional identity is a complex and multidimensional concept with gender, social, historical, cultural, political, and organizational considerations. The findings of this concept analysis could guide further researches on nursing professional identity.