Conclusion According to Kinnear et al . ( 2021 ), the pandemic “ drastically [ altered ] the learning environment in medical education ” ( 44 ). During the pandemic crisis , professional identity sometimes suffered due to a change in priorities ( Kinnear et al , 2021 ). There was also a lack of attention to teaching students and the health care team about implementing professional identity within their careers .
According to Zhang et al ( 2018 ), professional identity has a positive effect on job satisfaction and work engagement which can lead to retention of staff . When nurses have a “ positive identity with their careers , they will devote more energy and enthusiasm to their work and the dissatisfaction caused by the work environment would be eliminated ” ( Zhang et al ., 2018 ). In my experience , I have witnessed many nurses suffering burnout which led to huge job turnover . Many hospitals across the country are experiencing nursing staff shortages due to the pandemic . I have seen nurses work extra hours to accommodate to the shortage . However , the one thing that motivates these nurses to continue is the patient . These nurses are satisfied knowing that their care positively impacts the patient to have a beneficial patient outcome after discharge .
As a nursing student , I believe that professional identity is the foundation on how we provide high quality care to our patients . Without it , our focus will not be the patient ; instead , it may be what is convenient for us as health care providers . In times of crisis , it is crucial that we take responsibility to advocate for our patients in order to best meet their needs . Our responsibility is to be their light in a time of darkness . Therefore , professional identity is the tool that is essential to be the light for our patients . n
Kinnear , B ., Zhou , C ., Kinnear , B ., Carraccio , C ., & Schumacher , D . J . ( 2021 ). Professional Identity Formation During the COVID-19 Pandemic . Journal of hospital medicine , 16 ( 1 ), 44 – 46 . Retrieved from
https :// doi-org . proxy . kumc . edu / 10.12788 / jhm . 3540
Zhang , W ., Meng , H ., Yang , S ., & Liu , D . ( 2018 ). The Influence of Professional Identity , Job Satisfaction , and Work Engagement on Turnover Intention among Township Health Inspectors in China . International journal of environmental research and public health , 15 ( 5 ), 988 . Retrieved from
https :// doi-org . proxy . kumc . edu / 10.3390 / ijerph15050988
Zashary Ramos-Sandoval is a nursing student at the University of Kansas School of Nursing . She is a ICU patient care technician at Olathe Medical Center . Zashary is also the treasurer of the University of Kansas Student Nurse Association .
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