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.