Jotirmdt^AdvanadNttrang, 1992,17, 712-719
Measuring the professional self-concept of nurses: a critical review David Arthur RN Bach App Saence BEd Shid MEd Shid Semor Lecturer, Department of Commumty and Mental Health Nurstng, University of Newcastle, Ranhn Dnve, Neuxastle, New Soidh Wales 2308, Aushralia
Accepted for publication 4 November 1991
ARTHUR D (1992) Joumal of Advanced Nurstng 17, 712-719 Measurmg the professional self-concept of nurses: a critical review Nursmg hterature strongly suggests that the self-concept of nurses is an important concept for academics, admmistrators arid clmiaans to consider m the development of the profession Many valuable research projects have added to the data base on the subject, yet there still remain some queshons to be answered This paper explores the notion of self-concept as it relates to the professional working in nursmg In particular, the paper exammes nursmg research relatmg to the professional self-concept of nursing, argumg that the 'professional' self-concept of nurses is imique and different from that of the selfconcept (while mextncably linked), and that there is room for a new mstrument which measures the dimensions of the professional self-concept of nurses Suggeshons for future research mclude repbcahon and further vahdation and rehabihty studies of a new mstrument, a cross-cultural study usmg samples from dififerent countnes, testmg vnth vanous samples from different branches of nursmg and further explonng the differences between self-concept and professional self-concept INTRODUCTION For a profession such as nursmg to work harmoniously, and with a degree of equabty and respect m health care ardes, it IS important that nurses possess a professional selfconcept wbdi is compatible with that of other professionals If nurses have a lowered professional selfconcept that is counter produchve in the current health care environment then it is important that nurse academics, admmistrators and dmicians mtroduce components of cumcula which address these issues It would seem that the time has amved for nurses to take more responsibility and accountabibty for nursmg care, while it could be argued that a well-developed professional self> So ^
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Measuring the professional self-concept of nurses: a critical review David Arthur RN Bach App Saence BEd Shid MEd Shid Semor Lecturer, Department of Commumty and Mental Health Nurstng, University of Newcastle, Ranhn Dnve, Neuxastle, New Soidh Wales 2308, Aushralia
Accepted for publication 4 November 1991
ARTHUR D (1992) Joumal of Advanced Nurstng 17, 712-719 Measurmg the professional self-concept of nurses: a critical review Nursmg hterature strongly suggests that the self-concept of nurses is an important concept for academics, admmistrators arid clmiaans to consider m the development of the profession Many valuable research projects have added to the data base on the subject, yet there still remain some queshons to be answered This paper explores the notion of self-concept as it relates to the professional working in nursmg In particular, the paper exammes nursmg research relatmg to the professional self-concept of nursing, argumg that the 'professional' self-concept of nurses is imique and different from that of the selfconcept (while mextncably linked), and that there is room for a new mstrument which measures the dimensions of the professional self-concept of nurses Suggeshons for future research mclude repbcahon and further vahdation and rehabihty studies of a new mstrument, a cross-cultural study usmg samples from dififerent countnes, testmg vnth vanous samples from different branches of nursmg and further explonng the differences between self-concept and professional self-concept INTRODUCTION For a profession such as nursmg to work harmoniously, and with a degree of equabty and respect m health care ardes, it IS important that nurses possess a professional selfconcept wbdi is compatible with that of other professionals If nurses have a lowered professional selfconcept that is counter produchve in the current health care environment then it is important that nurse academics, admmistrators and dmicians mtroduce components of cumcula which address these issues It would seem that the time has amved for nurses to take more responsibility and accountabibty for nursmg care, while it could be argued that a well-developed professional self> So ^
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