David Arthur1, Jacqueline Randle. 1. Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore. nurdga@nus.edu.sg
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This paper will discuss some recent concerns about research in the area of the professional self-concept of nurses, and trace the development of the literature on professional self-concept of nurses over the last 14 years. PRIMARY ARGUMENT: Professional self-concept or how nurses feel about themselves as nurses is vital in examining current and future nursing practice and education, as it affects patient care. CONCLUSION: The essence of the paper is the identification of three streams of literature: (1) which has 'emerged from the development of the Professional Self-Concept of Nurses instrument'; (2) literature which fails to consider recent or current research in the area; and (3) 'well-conducted work in the topic area'. The implications for nurses, educators and students are presented.
OBJECTIVE: This paper will discuss some recent concerns about research in the area of the professional self-concept of nurses, and trace the development of the literature on professional self-concept of nurses over the last 14 years. PRIMARY ARGUMENT: Professional self-concept or how nurses feel about themselves as nurses is vital in examining current and future nursing practice and education, as it affects patient care. CONCLUSION: The essence of the paper is the identification of three streams of literature: (1) which has 'emerged from the development of the Professional Self-Concept of Nurses instrument'; (2) literature which fails to consider recent or current research in the area; and (3) 'well-conducted work in the topic area'. The implications for nurses, educators and students are presented.