Professional identity: A concept analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to give clarity to the concept of professional identity, drawing from health-related fields to help provide a common language and understanding for research and practice. Professional identity, professionalism, professional socialization, and other related terms are often used without a clear definition or with conflicting definitions. This can lead to misunderstandings and assumptions that complicate research and confuse educators and professionals in guiding novice members. Concept analysis. Initially, 737 articles were identified by searching CINAHL, PubMed Central, Google Scholar, Academic Search Complete, PsyINFO, and SocINDEX for the period 2000 to 2019. Finally, 68 studies met the inclusion criteria, 60 of which are discussed in this concept analysis. This concept analysis uses the method described by Walker and Avant. This concept analysis clarifies the definition of professional identity, using literature from health and related professions, as containing the attributes: skills and functions; knowledge values and ethics; personal identity; group identity; and the influence of the context of care. A more clear definition of professional identity will help researchers to have more precision in their analyses and provide mentors and educators with a clear goal.