The concept of professional identity in nursing students and practitioners: a research protocol of a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: social identity plays an important role in the development of a society. Social identity refers to individual perception of the single person, based on membership in a particular social group. Professional identity is a subcategory of social identity, it is linked to interaction and professionalism of the group. It includes the best practice, the creation of ideals and professional values. It can be defined like attitudes, values, knowledge, beliefs and skills that are common among a special professional category. Professional identity is also connected to social roles of a particular profession. Therefore, professional identity includes individual experience and self-image of a particular category about its profession and its social image. Professional identity is the foundation for operation and conception of professional role. Studies show that nurses who have obtained professional identity are more flexible when facing with role changes and this is reflected on best practice and the patient’s welfare. Aim: the aim of this document is to present a research protocol of a cross-sectional study for assessing the concept of professional identity in nursing students of Bachelor’s Degree and in nursing students/practitioners of Master’s Degree on Sapienza University of Rome. Methods: a review of the literature regarding professional identity was performed. The search strategy included electronic databases CINAHL and PubMed. Use of Nurses Professional Values Scale – Revised questionnaire for assessing the concept of professional identity. Traslation and validation in Italian language of Nurses Professional Values Scale – Revised.