Impact of knowledge sharing behavior and general self-efficacy on dental nurses′ professional identity

Abstract

Objective To determine the impact of dental nurses′ knowledge sharing behavior and self-efficiency on professional identity. Methods A total of 88 dental nurses in Xiangyang were tested by Professional Identity Inventory for Nurse, Knowledge Sharing Behavior Scale and General Self-efficacy Scale. Results The mean score of professional identity was (5.60±0.56) points, the mean score of knowledge sharing behavior was (2.59±0.77) points, the mean score of general self-efficacy was (2.66±0.46) points. Knowledge sharing behavior and self-efficiency were positively correlated with professional identity (r=0.626, 0.342, P<0.01) . Regression analysis showed that the organizational communications, communities of practice, written contributions and general self-efficacy could explain 54.3% of the variance for dental nurses′professional identity. Conclusions Nursing managers should focus on the shortcomings of dental nurses′ knowledge sharing behavior and general self-efficacy, and promote interventions to enhance dental nurses′ knowledge sharing behavior and general self-efficacy and improve the level of professional identity. Key words: Dental nurses; Knowledge sharing behavior; General self-efficacy; Professional identity