Nursing professionalism: An evolutionary concept analysis

Abstract

Background: Professionalism is an important feature of the professional jobs. Dynamic nature and the various interpretations of thisterm lead to multiple defi nitions of this concept. The aim of this paper is to identify the core attributes of the nursing professionalism.

Materials and Methods: We followed Rodgers’ evolutionary method of concept analysis. Texts published in scientifi c databasesabout nursing professionalism between 1980 and 2011 were assessed. After applying the selection criteria, the fi nal sampleconsisting of 4 books and 213 articles was selected, examined, and analyzed in depth. Two experts checked the process ofanalysis and monitored and reviewed them.

Results: The analysis showed that nursing professionalism is determined by three attributes of cognitive, attitudinal, andpsychomotor. In addition, the most important antecedents concepts were demographic, experiential, educational, environmental,and attitudinal factors.

Conclusion: Nursing professionalism is an inevitable, complex, varied, and dynamic process. In this study, the importance, scope,and concept of professionalism in nursing, the concept of a beginning for further research and development, and expanding thenursing knowledge are explained and clarifi ed.

Key words: Analysis, concept, Iran, nursing, professional