A Correlational Study on Professional Identity and Self-Efficacy Among Nursing Students

Abstract

Aim To conduct a correlational study on professional identity and self-efficacy among nursing students Background Professional identity, in simple terms, refers to how one perceives oneself in relation to one's profession. Self-efficacy is defined as people's self-confidence in facing challenges and breaking through difficulties. A well-developed level of self-efficacy may enhance professional identity. This study sought to assess the professional identity and self-efficacy of student nurses enrolled at SRM College of Nursing, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, India, examine the relationship between professional identity and self-efficacy, and explore how self-efficacy and professional identity levels relate to demographic variables. Methodology A descriptive research design was utilized to assess the professional identity as well as the self-efficacy of 202 student nurses. The subjects were surveyed using the General Self-Efficacy Scale and Professional Identity Scale for Nursing Students questionnaires to analyze their levels of self-efficacy and professional identity, respectively. Result The results indicate that among the 202 students surveyed, 102 (50.5%) possess a moderate level of self-efficacy, and 71 (35.1%) possess a moderate level of professional identity. A strong positive correlation was found between professional identity and self-efficacy (r=0.489), implying that the student nurses with a prominent degree of self-efficacy have a compelling degree of professional identity and vice-versa. Conclusion In this investigation, most of the students demonstrated moderate levels of self-efficacy as well as professional identity. Additionally, a robust correlation was observed between self-efficacy and professional identity.

Keywords: correlational study; nursing students; professional identity; self-confidence; self-efficacy.

Figure 1. A scatter diagram depicting the hyperlink amid professional identity as well as self-efficacy of student nurses

Figure Credit: Mr. Ravi Shankar