Supporting the professional identity development of nursing alumni: A phenomenology study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Professional identity is the expected outcome of nursing educational institutions reflected in the values, beliefs, attitudes, and behavior of nursing alumni as professional nurses. Nursing alumni’s experiences at the Bachelor nursing program in Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) related to professional identity development (PID) at various nursing careers need to be explored. AIM: This study aims to describe Ners alumni in PID at UMY. METHODS: This study was a phenomenological approach with a maximum variation sampling technique. Seventeen nursing alumni who have been working as professional nurses for a minimum of 2 years and worked in various nursing careers were recruited. A semi-structured interview between 60 and 90 min was conducted. Data analysis used Colaizzi’s methods and Nvivo 12™ Plus. RESULTS: There were two themes emerged from data; (1) Internal motivation to enhancing nursing career, with two sub-themes: having a great personal motivation and developing expertise, (2) External support driving nursing career, with five sub-themes: family encouragement, supports from a leader, accreditation and credential, exemplary role model and positive nursing image. CONCLUSION: Nursing alumni engaged in a variety of professional roles that contributed to the nursing workforce. The support of PID impacts personal and professional capability and strengthens nurses’ careers.