The professional self-concept of nurses: a review of the literature from 1992-2006.

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.