Relationship between the Formation of The Professional Identity of Nurses and Organizational Climate

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between the professional identity of nurses and the organizational climate, and to examine the necessary factors for forming professional identity therein. Methods: The study recruited 449 nurses working in hospitals with 100 beds or more in Prefecture A. A bearer self-administered questionnaire was used to investigate the basic attributes and professional identity of nurses, organizational climate, and social support. Results: A multiple regression analysis indicated that occupational identity was associated with a constructive atmosphere, the unfair appraisal of nursing, an atmosphere conductive to research, more than 10 years of experience (long-term tenure), and motivation for choosing this profession. Nurses with more than 10 years of experience reported significantly low levels of support from superiors and seniors, leadership of nurse manager, constructive atmosphere, and research atmosphere. Conclusions: The results suggested that fostering an organizational climate for creating a constructive atmosphere is necessary for the formation of professional identity. Additionally, they stressed the importance of providing social support, including the approval of nursing practice, especially for nurses with a tenure of more than 10 years.