Qualitative Research Study Research Articles

Study of adoption of artificial intelligence technology-driven natural large language model-based chatbots by firms for customer service interaction

Purpose The purpose of this study was to comprehend the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technology-driven natural large language model (LLM)-based chatbots by customers. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research study method was conducted. This was to explore managerial perspectives towards consumer centric technology adoption of AI plus LLM-based chatbots. This was specifically for AI-driven natural LLM-based chatbots services. The author conducted conducted in-depth personal interviews with 32 experts of digital content AI + LLM chatbot services. Thematic content analysis was undertaken to analyse the data. Findings The advent of natural language processing tools driven by AI technology chatbots has altered human-firm interaction. The research findings indicated that the push-pull-mooring (PPM) factors captured the phenomenon in the most comprehensive way. A total of 15 key factors influencing the adoption of AI technology-driven natural LLM-based chatbots by customers during firm customer interaction were identified in this study by the author. The thematic content analysis unraveled insights regarding transformed consumer adoptions towards AI-driven LLM-based chatbots by means of the PPM framework factors. Research limitations/implications The empirical research investigation contributed to the literature on the PPM theoretical framework. This was specifically in the context of adoption of AI technology-driven natural LLM-based chatbots by customers during firm customer interaction. Practical implications The research study insights would help managers to restructure and reconfigure their organizational processes. This would neccessiated a shift in firm-customer interactions as demanded because of the availability of AI technology-driven natural LLM-based chatbots by customers. Originality/value This research study was based upon the PPM theoretical framework. This study provided a unique analysis of the altered firm customer interaction needs and requirements. This was one of the first studies that applied the framework of PPM theory regarding the adoption of AI technology-driven natural LLM-based chatbots by customers.

Twelve tips for using rapid research methods in health professions education

Information may be required within a short time-frame for making decisions about programmes and interventions in health professions education. Rapid research methods have been increasingly used in healthcare, especially for qualitative research studies and literature reviews. An essential aspect of using rapid research methods is pragmatism, in which there is a balance between the constraints of the short time frame (typically less than 3 months), the available resources, and the rigour for an appropriate standard of quality. Achieving this balance requires careful attention to the design of the research, including clarification of the decision-maker’s information needs and the use of rapid methods for literature review, selection of participants, and data collection and analysis. The intention of the article is to provide a practical guide for how rapid research methods for qualitative research studies and literature reviews can be adapted for health professions education.

Profile of open-start problem-solving with context Sarangan Lake viewed students' learning styles in junior high school

This study aims to reveal the profile of open-start problem-solving with ethnomathematics regarding student learning styles. This research is a qualitative research study on 3 out of 31 students of Junior High School of 3 Magetan taken by purposive sampling. The three students carried out four stages: understanding the problem, planning problem-solving strategies, implementing problem-solving strategies, and reviewing again. The results of the research show that students with a visual learning style solve problems by understanding problems through writing known and being asked and drawing illustrations, planning problem-solving strategies by making examples, carrying out solving strategies by working on the calculation process; students with an auditory learning style solve problems by understanding problems through writing known and being asked, planning strategies by making problems and formulating formulas used, implementing solutions by doing calculations and reviewing; students with a kinesthetic learning style solve problems by understanding issues through writing known and being asked, making examples and writing the formulas used, carrying out solving strategies by applying the calculation process and reviewing the results obtained. However, of the three styles, the results of the accepted work were not correct because they did not write down the conclusions and were not thorough enough.

The Social Realities of Tausug Women in Tausug Contemporary Kalangan

Tausugs, one of the Muslim tribes in the Philippines, express themselves through their kalangan (songs). To explore the rich and vibrant colors of the Tausug culture, this qualitative research study employed a descriptive-analytic approach in the analysis and interpretation of thirty-one (31) Tausug Contemporary Kalangan. Through Norman Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), this study revealed and discussed the literary devices evident as a textual practice in the select kalangan; the social realities about Tausug women that were being communicated by these literary devices; and the perceptions of Tausug women about their social realities. The findings revealed that there was a total of five (5) literary devices evident as a textual practice in the select kalangan. These literary devices paved way to unveiling and explaining the social realities of Tausug women evident in the select kalangan. Despite the rich and colorful cultures of the Tausugs, the social realities of Tausug women prove that a social problem exists in the Tausug society hence must be addressed and resolved. This study proved to be an original contribution to feminist studies aimed at gaining liberation and empowerment for Tausug women.

An umbrella review of pharmacist prescribing: stakeholders’ views and impact on patient outcomes

Abstract Introduction There is great geographical diversity in the degree of prescribing rights pharmacists have. In some countries such as the United Kingdom (UK), pharmacists have unrestricted prescribing rights following appropriate training; in other countries, pharmacists cannot legally prescribe. The impact of pharmacist prescribing (PP) has been studied in various qualitative and quantitative research studies, but this evidence has not been synthesised to support the development of PP internationally. Aim The aim of this umbrella review was to describe the international PP models, establish the impact of PP on patient outcomes and describe key stakeholders’ views of PP, by synthesising all the available systematic reviews (SRs). Methods Six databases (Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and PsycINFO) were searched, from January 2003 to June 2023, for key terms such as ‘pharmacist’, ‘prescribing’, ‘prescription’ and ‘systematic review’, ‘meta-analysis’, ‘meta-synthesis’. Systematic reviews that examined PP for any clinical condition, for patients of any age and in any healthcare setting were eligible for inclusion. SRs examining pharmacists’ interventions other than PP were excluded as were articles not published in English. Two researchers independently screened titles, abstracts and full texts for eligibility; discrepancies were resolved by discussion with a third reviewer. A data extraction tool was developed, piloted and refined prior to data extraction based on guidance from PRIOR[1] and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI).[2] Extracted information included: SR characteristics; inclusion and exclusion criteria; description of prescribing models, setting, clinical conditions, clinical and health service utilisation outcomes and key stakeholders’ views of PP. Data have been synthesised narratively due to the heterogeneity of included studies. Results A total of 6439 titles were retrieved from searches, with 917 duplicates removed. Following abstracts and full text screening (5522 and 129 respectively), 39 systematic reviews (8 qualitative; 19 quantitative and 12 mixed-methods) were included. The description of PP models varied within and between the SRs and demonstrated implementation of different PP models globally. Collaborative practice agreement with a physician, dependant prescribing by protocol and/or formularies were common in Canada and the United States, while supplementary prescribing and independent prescribing models were described in the UK. Prescribing activity was evident in all care settings and for a wide range of clinical conditions. SRs reporting on targeted clinical conditions, noted that patients of pharmacist prescribers had similar blood pressure control and depressive symptoms, better cholesterol and blood glucose control and reduced pain intensity when compared with patients of medical prescribers. SRs also suggests that pharmacist prescribers make fewer errors than non-pharmacists. Key stakeholders noted largely positive views towards PP, with a reduction in physician workload, an improvement in pharmacist job satisfaction, better utilisation of pharmacist knowledge and skills noted. Concerns over pharmacists’ diagnostic abilities, legal accountability for errors and appropriate implementation of PP models were noted. Conclusion A variety of PP models exist internationally. Careful examination of each model should be undertaken prior to adoption and implementation in countries where PP is currently not permitted.

Challenges Faced by Social Workers Rendering Foster Care Services in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, Northern Cape Province

Foster care services are in high demand in South Africa because of the significant number of children in need of care. Reasons for this include the death of biological parents, abuse, neglect, incarceration of parents, parents abandoning their children, and even disappearance of parents. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has worsened this situation. The demand for foster care is putting strain on the delivery of social work services to this vulnerable group. Social workers tasked with implementing the foster care process experience operational impediments and emotional strain, creating an implementation challenge. In examining these challenges, the ecological perspective provides a suitable theoretical framework. This qualitative research study is underpinned by an exploratory design and semi-structured interviews have been conducted to gather primary data. Eight participants have been purposively selected, and the data has been analysed using thematic analysis. Findings suggest that the challenges social workers face fall into three categories: operational obstacles, emotional challenges, and non-adherence to foster care values and principles. Policies and practices are recommended to address the identified challenges to ensure that social workers are empowered to implement foster care services that are child-centred and needs-based.

Algebraic Representations of a Splitting Task: Implications of Numerical Reasoning

ABSTRACT This qualitative research study uses middle-grades students’ numerical reasoning to model their symbolic representations of the relationship between two multiplicatively related unknowns on an algebra task. Students in sixth grade through ninth grade participated in clinical interviews that assessed their numerical reasoning using the Number Sequences framework, their interpretation of the equal sign, and their algebraic reasoning in the context of writing equations. Analysis used the mental structures that define their numerical reasoning to explain their algebraic capabilities, and changes in their reasoning about the equal sign in different contexts. Findings show that splitting, one mental structure related to the students’ numerical reasoning, is related to students’ symbolic representations of multiplicatively related unknowns. Furthermore, students who had not constructed a splitting operation tended to use numerical examples in place of reasoning about unknowns, and to reason operationally about the equal sign to compensate for this limitation on an algebra task.

Measles Vaccine Coverage and Disease Outbreaks: A Systematic Review of the Early Impact of COVID-19 in Low and Lower-Middle Income Countries

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate changes to measles-containing vaccine (MCV) provision and subsequent measles disease cases in low- and lower-middle income countries (LICs, LMICs) in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A systematic search was conducted of MEDLINE, OVID EMBASE and PubMed records. Primary quantitative and qualitative research studies published from January 2020 were included if they reported on COVID-19 impact on MCV provision and/or measles outbreak rates within LICs and LMICs.Results: 45 studies were included. The change in MCV1 vaccination coverage in national and international regions ranged −13% to +44.4% from pre-COVID time periods. In local regions, the median MCV1 and overall EPI rate changed by −23.3% and −28.5% respectively. Median MCV2 rate was disproportionally impacted in local areas during COVID-interruption time-periods (−48.2%) with ongoing disruption in early-recovery time-periods (−17.7%). 8.9% of studies reported on vaccination status of confirmed measles cases; from these, 71%–91% had received no MCV dose.Conclusion: MCV vaccination coverage experienced ongoing disruption during the recovery periods after initial COVID-19 disruption. Vaccination in local area datasets notably experienced longer-term disruption compared to nationally reported figures.

Integrating traditional and allopathic child health: A healthcare transformation opportunity

Background: Numerous forums both domestically and internationally have discussed integration of allopathic and traditional healthcare. In South Africa, using traditional child healthcare is popular practice. If properly controlled, integrating this aspect of traditional child-health with allopathic healthcare may be advantageous to communities that use both healthcare systems. Allopathic and traditional healthcare remain separate organisations in South Africa despite efforts and discussions to integrate them.Aim: The study sought to explore the integration of traditional and allopathic child healthcare from the perspectives of children’s caregivers and traditional healthcare practitioners.Setting: The study was conducted in a semi-urban area in the city of Tshwane.Methods: An exploratory qualitative research study was conducted using semi-structured interviews to collect data from 11 traditional healthcare practitioners and 15 children’s caregivers who were sampled using snowball and convenient sampling respectively.Results: The participants expressed their understanding of the usage of traditional healthcare practitioners in the care of children as well as their support for integration, and further indicated its necessity. Religion and its effects in health-seeking behaviour were cited as a factor in why there has not been greater integration between the two healthcare systems.Conclusion: The undocumented and undisclosed use of traditional healthcare potentially hinders the delivery of therapeutic healthcare. As such, integrating the two systems is essential to ensure patients’ safety.Contribution: This article highlights understanding of culture congruence and safe child healthcare that may be brought forward by the integration of the two healthcare systems.

Factors enabling and hindering sporting success among South African elite athletes from historically disadvantaged areas: Through a coaching lens

Sporting success among nations provides a sense of value and national pride. This paper evaluated the perceptions and experiences of national coaches on the enablers and hindrances of international sporting success by elite athletes from historically disadvantaged areas (HDA) using the SPLISS framework. A qualitative research study design was employed for this study. Ten internationally recognised coaches (46.7 ± 12.9 years) volunteered for the study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. A thematic analysis was used to analyse data. Data was analysed using a computer software programme. Governance, organisation and sports policies, coach provision, local/international competition access, bursaries/scholarships and sport volunteerism were perceived as enablers, while lack of financial support, foundation level participation, school sport, athlete retention, sports facilities, reliable transport system and scientific support were perceived to be hindrances to sporting success. The findings highlight the need for policymakers to oversee and ensure a systemic governance approach with an integrated sports support system and effective policies, institutions and strategic planning, coupled with an adequate budget allocation in support of this system to facilitate elite sports success.

Professional identity and local realities: social work education in Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The three historical eras of social work education in Ethiopia are examined in this article, with particular attention devoted to how each era began, was contextualized, and was integrated with service delivery. Interviews with 28 social work graduates and faculty members were conducted as part of the qualitative research study. Additionally, unpublished documents from ministerial offices and universities were examined. The data are arranged and presented chronologically to offer the experiences in the three periods. The analysis found that various contextualizing strategies for social work education were used through curriculum development, fieldwork, community engagement, and obtaining research outputs. Making social work education more responsive to the national context has been challenging due to a lack of country-specific reading materials and policy frameworks that define professional social work and standards of practice. Further, the absence of social work for 30 years has erased the profession’s identity from public memory. The continued development of social work education and practice in Ethiopia will benefit from the creation of local educational resources and policy frameworks.

Academic Evolution in the Age of ChatGPT: An In-depth Qualitative Exploration of its Influence on Research, Learning, and Ethics in Higher Education

This study delves into the potential advantages and challenges presented by the implementation of the ChatGPT within the realm of higher education. Specifically, it endeavours to shed light on the transformative effects of ChatGPT on the research and learning processes. Moreover, this study explores the intricate issues surrounding academic integrity, ethics, and regulatory concerns in this context. Adopting a qualitative research design, the study engaged in semi-structured interviews with 75 esteemed academicians hailing from higher education institutions in North Cyprus. The outcomes of this research endeavour reveal a spectrum of ways in which ChatGPT can augment educational productivity, learning experience, creativity, and idea generation. Nevertheless, it underscores the importance of meticulous consideration of ethical aspects pertaining to academic honesty and the potential over-reliance on ChatGPT. The findings not only offer insights into the opportunities and challenges linked with ChatGPT's integration into higher education, but also advocate for the responsible and ethical utilisation of AI technologies within academic settings. This study substantially contributes to the expanding body of research on the incorporation of artificial intelligence into education. It uniquely focuses on the ChatGPT, an innovative AI-based language model, within the context of higher education. The study's qualitative research methodology, characterised by its exploratory nature, provides a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the impact of ChatGPT on learning and research writing and offers a wealth of valuable insights intended to assist educators, researchers, institutions and policymakers in their endeavours to seamlessly integrate AI technologies into their educational practices.

The effects of simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use on subjective drug effects: A narrative review across methodologies.

Over 75% of young adults who use cannabis also report drinking alcohol, leading to increased risks that include impaired cognition, substance use disorders, and more heavy and frequent substance use. Studies suggest that subjective responses to either alcohol or cannabis can serve as a valuable indicator for identifying individuals at risk of prolonged substance use and use disorder. While laboratory studies show additive effects when alcohol and cannabis are used together, the impact of co-using these substances, specifically with respect to cannabidiol, on an individual's subjective experience remains unclear. This narrative review explores the effects of simultaneous alcohol and cannabis (SAM) use on subjective drug effects, drawing from qualitative research, laboratory experiments, and naturalistic studies. Experimental findings are inconsistent regarding the combined effects of alcohol and cannabis, likely influenced by factors such as dosage, method of administration, and individual substance use histories. Similarly,findings from qualitative and naturalistic studies are mixed regarding subjective drug effects following SAMuse. These discrepancies may be due to recall biases, variations in assessment methods, and the measurement in real-world contexts of patterns of SAM use and related experiences. Overall, this narrative review highlights the need for more comprehensive research to understand more fully subjective drug effects of SAM use in diverse populations and settings, emphasizing the importance of frequent and nuanced assessment of SAM use and subjective responses in naturalistic settings.

The Professional Development Needs of Hospital Teachers in Ireland: An Exploratory Case Study

In Ireland, hospital schools comprise a very small component of the overall primary and post-primary education system. Indeed, there are only seven hospital schools employing a total of 21 teachers nationally. Given the size and uniqueness of this education setting, opportunities for teacher continuous professional development are limited. This qualitative research study examined Irish hospital teachers’ perceptions of their continuing professional development needs using a case study approach. The research captured the perspectives of 19 teachers currently teaching in seven hospital schools in Ireland. Data consisted of responses to an anonymous online questionnaire and two focus groups designed to examine and interpret the questionnaire data. Thematic analysis was conducted on all data collected. The findings revealed that Irish hospital teachers have a clear shared perception of the professional development needs both for newly hired and currently practising hospital teachers. Hospital schools are a very small, but a very important component of education in Ireland, and the professional needs identified are specific to this unique context. Teachers working in this context must be supported so that they can provide the education that the pupils, who must access this service, deserve.

Exploring the Emergency Planning Requirements: A Qualitative Research Study at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

This study aimed to explore emergency planning requirements for managing disasters in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The study adopted interpretivism; an inductive approach; a descriptive survey; and qualitative methods to address its aim. The techniques used included a literature review and semi-structured interviews. The study sample consisted of 13 experts from the KSA General Directorate of Civil Defence (GDCD). The data were analyzed by using content analysis. The study findings revealed that the emergency planning requirements are administrative requirements, including regulations and legislation; technical requirements, which include equipment; human resources, including staff and responders; identifying, analyzing, and evaluating risks; determining the tasks and responsibilities of the relevant agencies and stakeholders; qualified leadership; determining the chain of command at national and local levels; coordination and cooperation among stakeholders; knowledge gained from local or international experiences; updated database; the availability of sufficient financial resources; completed infrastructure; and improved training and practice. The study also found that although emergency planning requirements are more or less in place, there is a need for further improvement and development; specifically, there is a need for better understanding, knowledge, and awareness. Consequently, it strongly recommends that all emergency planning requirements developed from this study should be implemented simultaneously and as an integrated whole. By doing so, it could help decision makers and emergency planners at government emergency agencies to improve, develop, and reinforce emergency planning, specifically in reducing disaster risks.

TELLTALE SIGN OF CALIBER TEACHERS: SURFEIT OF BRILLIANCE IN TEACHING ELEMENTARY LEARNERS

The teacher is the main actor in the learning process. It is teachers who consider effective learning strategies to be applied. A large number of variations in the quality of teaching are explained by the characteristics of teachers, teachers are central in the process teaching and learning, teachers have a major role in building student personality, teachers are learning managers in a large system of education that enlightens students. This study will lend to the body of knowledge surrounding teacher effectiveness. It is also significant in that it is transferable to a greater population of teachers in kindergarten through sixth grade and therefore may have implications for understanding and improving teacher effectiveness in the greater education population. The researcher made these qualitative assumptions that consist of the methods used in the process of qualitative research (Creswell 2003). The procedures used by the researcher are inductive and are based on the researchers own experience in collecting and analyzing data. The research here is the product of the values of the researcher. The implication for positive social change of this qualitative phenomenological research study was guided by four research questions. Despite the limitations, after the review and ensuing analysis of interview transcripts and observation notes the researcher was able to gain insight into the phenomenon of characteristics of high-quality teachers. It was found that high-quality teachers use a variety of strategies that are carefully chosen based on student needs, student learning styles, and student abilities to meet the needs of diverse learners. Higher-order questioning was identified as a prevalent teaching strategy used in the classrooms of high-quality teachers which resulted in a high level of classroom discussion. A high level of student engagement was also prevalent in the classrooms of high-quality teachers. A quantitative study could be conducted to further investigate the relationship between high-quality teachers and their impact on student achievement about GPA and scores on state standardized tests. A qualitative study could be conducted to determine strategies for facilitating the development and growth of the identified characteristics of high-quality teaching to improve teaching quality KEYWORDS: Telltale Sign, Caliber Teachers, Surfeit of Brilliance, Teaching Elementary Learners

Historical Development of Education and Learning in the Transmission of Miao Nationality Music in Yunnan Province, China

Miao Nationality music represents a profound and longstanding musical heritage from the cultural legacy of the Miao community in Yunnan Province, China. This qualitative research study endeavor aims to explore the historical development and transmission of Miao Nationality music, emphasizing its significance within the context of ethnomusicology, cultural transmission theory, and education theory. The chosen research site strategically focuses on Yunnan Province, China, especially targeting regions with substantial Miao populace and deeply entranced musical traditions. Seven key informants, including elder musicians, music educators, community leaders, and cultural enthusiasts, were purposefully sampled to provide expert insights. A thematic analysis of qualitative data gathered through interviews and observations revealed important information about the ancient roots of Miao Nationality music, how it is used in everyday life, how cultural exchanges affect it, and how important it is for traditional instruments, vocal styles, and passing down the music from one generation to the next. The study suggests strategies for safeguarding and disseminating Miao Nationality music, emphasizing cultural awareness, technological advancements, support for inheritors, environmental protection, and innovative communication methods.

Capturing artificial intelligence applications’ value proposition in healthcare – a qualitative research study

Artificial intelligence (AI) applications pave the way for innovations in the healthcare (HC) industry. However, their adoption in HC organizations is still nascent as organizations often face a fragmented and incomplete picture of how they can capture the value of AI applications on a managerial level. To overcome adoption hurdles, HC organizations would benefit from understanding how they can capture AI applications’ potential.We conduct a comprehensive systematic literature review and 11 semi-structured expert interviews to identify, systematize, and describe 15 business objectives that translate into six value propositions of AI applications in HC.Our results demonstrate that AI applications can have several business objectives converging into risk-reduced patient care, advanced patient care, self-management, process acceleration, resource optimization, and knowledge discovery.We contribute to the literature by extending research on value creation mechanisms of AI to the HC context and guiding HC organizations in evaluating their AI applications or those of the competition on a managerial level, to assess AI investment decisions, and to align their AI application portfolio towards an overarching strategy.

Enhancement of Secondary Science Teacher’s Professional Knowledge in Learning Pedagogical Content Knowledge through Involving in Professional Learning Community

The qualitative research study explored Bangladeshi secondary science teacher’s experiences working in a professional learning community (PLC) in terms of enhancing professional knowledge in learning pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). The research questions that guided this study are: (1) What are the learning experiences of the secondary science teachers regarding their involvement in a Professional Learning Community (PLC) as a means of professional learning for enhancing their Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK)? (2) How do Secondary Science teachers apply their learning from Professional Learning Communities (PLC) to their teaching plans and practices through the Content Representation (CoRe) framework? (3) How do secondary science teachers use the knowledge gained from participation in a professional learning community (PLC) to design and implement effective teaching strategies in their classrooms? The study is based on a constructivist approach to learning, which views knowledge construction as a socially mediated process. Therefore, teachers’ experiences were collected as qualitative data through analyzing teachers’ lesson plans and self-reflective journals. As a result, the findings showed teacher’s enhanced professional knowledge working in a PLC in sizing up the topic, identifying the importance of the topic, exploring self-content knowledge relevant to the topic, knowing what learners might think, identifying contextual factors choosing the topic and examples, selecting more appropriate teaching-learning and assessment strategies. The findings of this study are expected to provide insights into how PLCs can be utilized to enhance secondary science teacher’s PCK knowledge. This study is significant as it contributes to the literature on professional development for science teachers and offers practical recommendations for improving science teacher’s professional knowledge in learning PCK. Teacher’s World: Journal of Education and Research, 49 (1), 155-174

Singapore nurses’ perception of professional identity

Introduction: Nurses’ professional identity is important for their career orientation and clinical practice. This study explored Singaporean nurses’ perceptions of professional identity. The results provide an understanding of how guided learning and reflection could help nurses in their professional identity formation and development. Methods: Using an exploratory descriptive qualitative research study and purposive sampling by researchers teaching in the programme, 64 Registered Nurses with a diploma qualification pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree with Honours in Nursing programme in Singapore were invited to participate. They responded to open ended survey questions online, which were analysed using a thematic analysis. Ethical approval was obtained. Results: All 64 first year students were invited to participate at the start of the module and upon the completion. The response rates were 94% and 81% respectively. Two overarching themes – “nurses as professionals with knowledge and moral character” and “the construction of professional identity” - emerged from the data. Conclusion: The nurses perceived their professional nursing identity as a construct comprised of knowledge and moral characteristics, which is consistent with international literature. A professional nursing identity, relationships with other healthcare professionals, patients and confidence in practice were all interrelated. Guided reflection and discussion on clinical experiences and social interactions helped students become aware of their professional identity and responsibilities. Such purposive educational effort needs to be started early and supported through the students’ educational journey into clinical practice. Keywords: Professional Identity of Nursing, Singapore Nurses, Image of Nursing, Social Perception of Nursing in Singapore, Nurse Education