Correlation of Professional Identity Dimensions with Role Stress in Nurses

Abstract Introduction: The crisis of professional identity among nurses causes psychological imbalance and tension. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between professional identity dimensions and job stress among nurses working in teaching hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was performed on 340 nurses in teaching hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 1997 using stratified random sampling. The instrument included two questionnaires: "Professional Identity Questionnaire" and "Role Stress Scale". Content, face and construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis) and reliability (Cronbach's alpha) were measured. Data were analyzed using SmartPLS 2.0.0 M3 software. Results: Negative correlation of 3 dimensions of professional identity (achievement retention and risk of leaving job (P <0.05) social and self-reflective comparison (P <0.001) and social modeling (P <0.001) with role stress was confirmed. But the correlation between the two other dimensions (self-concept (P <0.05) and independence in career choice (P <0.05) with stress was not confirmed. In general, the negative correlation of professional identity with role stress (P <0.001), Z = -0.37 approved. Conclusions: Achievement retention and risk of leaving job, social and self-reflective comparison, and social modeling are associated with reduced stress on the role of nurses. It is suggested to establish training courses, career counseling and personality in order to reduce the role of nurses in promoting professional identity in nurses.