The effects of using the nurse self-concept mobile application on the retention of nursing students.

BACKGROUND: The high dropout rate among nursing students has become a global concern as it leads to a shortage of nurses on the one hand and a negative impact on the professional motivation of nursing students on the other. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of using the Nurse Self-Concept Mobile Application (NSCMA) on the retention of nursing students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is an experimental work of research with a longitudinal design conducted from April to December 2021. The study population was second-year nursing students in a nursing school in the south of Iran who were randomly divided into an experimental (n = 49) and a control group (n = 50). The assessment was based on a pretest-posttest design and a one-month follow-up. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS v. 21 using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and analytical statistics (repeated measures). The P value was set <0.05. RESULTS: The means of the students' ages and grades were 21.31 ± 2.43 and 15.30 ± 2.13, respectively. The results showed a statistically significant increase in the experimental group's intent-to-stay mean scores as measured in three stages (P = 0.029), indicating that the intervention enhanced the nursing students' inclination to stay in nursing programs. However, the changes in the control group's mean scores were not statistically significant (P = 0.132). CONCLUSION: The Nurse Self-Concept Mobile Application proved effective in enhancing nursing students' inclination to complete their education and follow a career as a nurse. Thus, it is essential that nursing students' education include programs designed to enhance the students' self-concept, especially in the first few years of their education. Also, nursing schools should use this software to encourage students to stay in the nursing major.

The effect of interventional program underpinned by health belief model on awareness, attitude, and performance of nurses in preventing nosocomial infections: A randomized controlled trial study / Efecto de un programa de intervención basado en el modelo de creencias en salud sobre el conocimiento, la actitud y el desempeño del personal de enfermería en la prevención de las infecciones intrahospitalarias. Ensayo controlado aleatorizado / Efeito de um programa de intervenção baseado no modelo de crenças em saúde no conhecimento, atitude e atuação da equipe de enfermagem na prevenção de infecções hospitalares. Teste controlado e aleatório

Objective. The present study examined the effect of an interventional program underpinned by the Health Belief Model (HBM) on nurses' awareness, attitude, and performance in preventing nosocomialinfections.Methods. This randomized controlled trial study was performed on 60 clinical nurses in lar, Iran. Nurses were selected using the simple random sampling method and assigned to two experimental (n=30) and control (n=30) groups. Data collection tool included the valid and reliable questionnaire was developed by Soleimani et al. The research intervention consisted of five 90-min sessions based on the health belief model in preventing hospital infection for experimental group. Before the intervention, immediately and two months after the intervention, the two groups completed the questionnaire. The control group received no intervention. Results. Data analysis showed that the differences between the two groups was statistically significant immediately and two months after the intervention (p<0.05). In experimental group the changes in the mean score of knowledge, attitude and performance of nurses before, immediately and two months after the intervention were significant (p<0.05), but in the control group, only the changes in the mean score of performance were significant (p<0.05). Conclusion. The results showed that the HBM-based intervention is effective in promoting nurses' knowledge, attitude, and performance in preventing nosocomialinfections. hence, periodical and in-service HBM-based training programs on preventing nosocomialinfections are recommended to be held for nurses.

Objetivo. El presente estudio examinó el efecto de un programa de intervención basado en el modelo de creencias en salud (Health Belief Model -HBM-, en inglés sobre el conocimiento, la actitud y el desempeño de las enfermeras en la prevención de las infecciones intrahospitalarias. Métodos. Este ensayo controlado aleatorizado se realizó en 60 enfermeras clínicas de lar, Irán. Las enfermeras fueron seleccionadas mediante el método de muestreo aleatorio simple y asignadas a dos grupos experimental (n=30) y de control (n=30). La herramienta para la recogida de datos incluyó el cuestionario válido y fiable desarrollado por Soleimani et al.La intervención consistió en cinco sesiones de 90 minutos basadas en el modelo de creencias de salud para prevenir la infección intrahospitalaria en el grupo experimental. Antes de la intervención, inmediatamente y dos meses después de la intervención, los dos grupos completaron el cuestionario. El grupo de control no recibió ninguna intervención. Resultados. El análisis de los datos mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los dos grupos en los momentos inmediatamente y dos meses después de la intervención (p<0.05). En el grupo experimental, los cambios en la puntuación media de conocimientos, actitudes y rendimiento de las enfermeras se observaron en los momentos de antes, inmediatamente y dos meses después de la intervención (p<0.05); mientras que en el grupo de control solamente los cambios en la puntuación media de desempeño fueron significativos (p<0.05). Conclusión. Los resultados mostraron que la intervención basada en HBM fue eficaz para promover el conocimiento, la actitud y el rendimiento de las enfermeras en la prevención de las infecciones intrahospitalaria, por lo que se recomienda impartir a las enfermeras programas de formación periódicos y en servicio basados en HBM sobre la prevención de las infecciones intrahospitalarias.

Objetivo. Examinar o efeito de um programa de intervenção baseado no Modelo de Crenças em Saúde (MBH) no conhecimento, atitude e desempenho dos enfermeiros na prevenção de infecções hospitalares. Métodos. Este ensaio clínico randomizado foi conduzido em 60 enfermeiras clínicas de lar, Irã. Os enfermeiros foram selecionados pelo método de amostragem aleatória simples e distribuídos em dois grupos experimental (n=30) e controle (n=30). O instrumento de coleta de dados incluiu o questionário válido e confiável desenvolvido por Soleimani et al. A intervenção consistiu em cinco sessões de 90 minutos baseadas no modelo de crenças em saúde para prevenir infecção hospitalar no grupo experimental. Antes, imediatamente e dois meses após a intervenção, ambos os grupos responderam ao questionário. O grupo controle não recebeu nenhuma intervenção. Resultados.A análise dos dados mostrou diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os dois grupos imediatamente e dois meses após a intervenção (p<0.05). No grupo experimental foram observadas alterações na pontuação média de conhecimentos, atitudes e desempenho dos enfermeiros antes, imediatamente e dois meses após a intervenção (p<0.05); enquanto no grupo controle apenas as alterações na pontuação média de desempenho foram significativas (p<0.05). Conclusão.Os resultados demonstraram que a intervenção baseada no HBM foi eficaz na promoção do conhecimento, atitude e desempenho dos enfermeiros na prevenção de infecções hospitalares, pelo que se recomenda proporcionar aos enfermeiros este tipo de programas de formação em serviço baseados no HBM.

The effects of mobile-based education on nurse self-concept among nursing students: an embedded mixed methods study.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the effects of mobile-based education (MBE) on nurse self-concept (NSC) among nursing students. METHODS: This embedded mixed methods study was conducted in 2020-2021 in a main quantitative phase and a supplementary qualitative phase. In the quantitative phase, a quasi-experimental study with the Solomon four-group design was conducted on 117 second-year nursing students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. 70 students in the first (C1: n=37) and the second (C2: n=33) semesters of the 2020 academic year were respectively considered as the control groups, and 40 students in the first semester of the 2021 academic year considered as the experimental groups (I1: n=20 and I2: n=20). Participants in the experimental groups received NSC-related MBE through an Android application, while their counterparts in the control groups received no NSC-related MBE. Cowin's Nurse Self-Concept Questionnaire was used to assess the NSC. In the qualitative phase, six students from the experimental groups were purposively selected and interviewed through face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Moreover, two focus group discussions were held with a six-person and a five-person group of students from the experimental groups. RESULTS: While the mean scores of NSC and its dimensions did not significantly change in the C1 group, the posttest mean scores of them in the E1 group were significantly greater than the corresponding pretest values (p<0.05), expect for the care dimension (p=0.586). Moreover, except for the care dimension (p>0.05), the posttest means scores of NSC and its other dimensions in the E1 and the E2 groups were significantly greater than the C1 and the C2 groups, respectively (p<0.05). Analysis of the qualitative data resulted in the generation of the main theme of multidimensional growth and development with three main categories, namely development of coping strategies, knowing professionalization strategies, and development of managerial potentials. CONCLUSIONS: NSC-related MBE is effective in improving nursing students' NSC.

Translation and psychometric assessment of a Persian version of medication safety competence scale (MSCS) for clinical nurses.

Nurses play a key role in medication safety and, by extension, patient safety. Evaluation of medication safety competence in nurses requires valid, specific, and comprehensive instruments. The present study was conducted to translate and psychometric assessment a Persian version of medication safety competence scale (MSCS) for clinical nurses in Iran. This is a cross-sectional and multi-centric work of research with a methodological design. A total of 1080 clinical nurses were selected from 5 cities located in Iran. The original version of the MSCS was translated into Persian and the psychometric properties of MSCS were assessed using COSMIN criteria. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) showed that the factor loading of the 36 items was between 0.72-0.87, all of which were significant. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) fitted the data well (χ2/df = 7, RMSEA = 0.01, CFI = 0.96, NFI = 0.95, and TLI = 0.97). The reliability of the instrument was assessed in terms of its internal homogeneity where the Cronbach's alpha of the whole instrument was found to be 0.96. The Persian version of MSCS for nurses possesses satisfactory validity and reliability. Thus, nurse managers can use this instrument to measure medication safety competence in nurses.

The effects of mobile-based education on nurse self-concept among nursing students: an embedded mixed methods study / Los efectos de la educación basada en el móvil en el autoconcepto de las enfermeras entre los estudiantes de enfermería: un estudio de métodos mixtos integrados / Os efeitos da educação baseada em dispositivos móveis no autoconceito dos enfermeiros entre os estudantes de enfermagem: um estudo integrado de métodos mistos

Objective. This study evaluates the effects of mobile-based education (MBE) on nurse self-concept (NSC) among nursing students. Methods. This embedded mixed methods study was conducted in 2020­2021 in a main quantitative phase and a supplementary qualitative phase. In the quantitative phase, a quasi-experimental study with the Solomon four-group design was conducted on 117 second-year nursing students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. 70 students in the first (C1: n=37) and the second (C2: n=33) semesters of the 2020 academic year were respectively considered as the control groups, and 40 students in the first semester of the 2021 academic year considered as the experimental groups (I1: n=20 and I2: n=20). Participants in the experimental groups received NSC-related MBE through an Android application, while their counterparts in the control groups received no NSC-related MBE. Cowin's Nurse Self-Concept Questionnaire was used to assess the NSC. In the qualitative phase, six students from the experimental groups were purposively selected and interviewed through face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Moreover, two focus group discussions were held with a six-person and a five-person group of students from the experimental groups. Results. While the mean scores of NSC and its dimensions did not significantly change in the C1 group, the posttest mean scores of them in the E1 group were significantly greater than the corresponding pretest values (p<0.05), expect for the care dimension (p=0.586). Moreover, except for the care dimension (p>0.05), the posttest means scores of NSC and its other dimensions in the E1 and the E2 groups were significantly greater than the C1 and the C2 groups, respectively (p<0.05). Analysis of the qualitative data resulted in the generation of the main theme of multidimensional growth and development with three main categories, namely development of coping strategies, knowing professionalization strategies, and development of managerial potentials. Conclusion. NSC-related MBE is effective in improving nursing students' NSC.

Objetivo. Este estudio evalúa los efectos de la educación basada en el móvil (EBM) en el autoconcepto enfermero (ACE) entre los estudiantes de enfermería. Métodos. Estudio de métodos mixtos realizado entre los años 2020-2021 tuvo una fase cuantitativa principal y una fase cualitativa complementaria. En la fase cuantitativa se llevó a cabo un estudio cuasi-experimental con el diseño de cuatro grupos de Salomón en los que se asignaron 117 estudiantes de segundo año de enfermería de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Shiraz, Irán. Participaron en los grupos de control 70 estudiantes: 37 del primer (C1) y 33 del segundo (C2) semestres del año académico 2020 y 40 estudiantes del primer semestre de 2021 como los grupos de intervención (I1: n=20, e I2: n=20). Los participantes de los grupos de intervención recibieron EMB relacionados con el CNS a través de una aplicación Android, mientras que sus homólogos de los grupos de control no recibieron este tipo de educación. Se utilizó el Cuestionario de Autoconcepto de Enfermería (ACE) de Cowin. En la fase cualitativa, se seleccionaron intencionadamente seis estudiantes de los grupos experimentales a quienes se les realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas cara a cara. Además, se hicieron dos grupos de discusión con un grupo de seis y otro de cinco estudiantes de los grupos experimentales. Resultados. Mientras que las puntuaciones medias del ACE y sus dimensiones no cambiaron significativamente en el grupo C1, las puntuaciones medias pos-test de las mismas en el grupo I1 fueron significativamente mayores que los correspondientes valores pre-test (p<0.05), excepto para la dimensión de cuidado (p=0.586). Además, con excepción de la dimensión de atención (p>0.05), las puntuaciones medias pos-test de ACE y sus otras dimensiones en los grupos I1 y I2 fueron significativamente mayores que las de los grupos C1 y C2, respectivamente (p<0.05). El análisis de los datos cualitativos dio como resultado la generación del tema principal de crecimiento y desarrollo multidimensional con tres categorías principales: el desarrollo de estrategias de afrontamiento, el conocimiento de estrategias de profesionalización y el desarrollo de potenciales de gestión. Conclusión. La intervención EBM es eficaz para mejorar el ACE de los estudiantes de enfermería.

Objetivo. Avaliar os efeitos da educação baseada em dispositivos móveis (EBM) no autoconceito de enfermagem (ACE) entre estudantes de enfermagem da Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Irã. Métodos. Estudo de métodos mistos que teve uma fase principal quantitativa e uma fase qualitativa complementar. Na fase quantitativa, foi realizado um estudo quase-experimental com o desenho de quatro grupos Solomon. 70 alunos participaram dos grupos de controle: 37 do primeiro (C1) e 33 do segundo (C2) semestre do ano letivo de 2020 e 40 alunos do primeiro semestre de 2021 como grupos de intervenção (I1: n=20, e I2: n=20). Apenas os participantes dos grupos de intervenção receberam EMBs relacionados à ACE por meio de um aplicativo Android. A escala de Cowin foi utilizada para avaliar o ACE. Na fase qualitativa, foram selecionados intencionalmente seis alunos dos grupos experimentais aos quais foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas face a face. Além disso, foram feitos dois grupos de discussão (um de seis e outro de cinco) com alunos dos grupos experimentais. Resultados. Enquanto as pontuações médias do ACE e suas dimensões não mudaram significativamente no grupo C1, as pontuações médias pós-teste no grupo I1 foram significativamente maiores do que os valores pré-teste correspondentes (p<0.05), exceto para a dimensão do cuidado (p=0.586). Além disso, com exceção da dimensão atenção (p>0.05), as pontuações médias pós-teste do ACE e de suas outras dimensões nos grupos I1 e I2 foram significativamente maiores do que nos grupos C1 e C2, respectivamente (p<0.05). A análise dos dados qualitativos resultou na geração do tema principal crescimento e desenvolvimento multidimensional com três categorias principais: o desenvolvimento de estratégias de enfrentamento, o conhecimento de estratégias de profissionalização e o desenvolvimento de potenciais de gestão. Conclusão. A intervenção EBM foi eficaz em melhorar o ACE de estudantes de enfermagem.

The effect of interventional program underpinned by health belief model on awareness, attitude, and performance of nurses in preventing nosocomial infections: A randomized controlled trial study.

Objective: The present study examined the effect of an interventional program underpinned by the Health Belief Model (HBM) on nurses' awareness, attitude, and performance in preventing nosocomial infections. Methods: This randomized controlled trial study was performed on 60 clinical nurses in lar, Iran. Nurses were selected using the simple random sampling method and assigned to two experimental (n=30) and control (n=30) groups. Data collection tool included the valid and reliable questionnaire was developed by Soleimani et al. The research intervention consisted of five 90-min sessions based on the health belief model in preventing hospital infection for experimental group. Before the intervention, immediately and two months after the intervention, the two groups completed the questionnaire. The control group received no intervention. Results: Data analysis showed that the differences between the two groups was statistically significant immediately and two months after the intervention (p<0.05). In experimental group the changes in the mean score of knowledge, attitude and performance of nurses before, immediately and two months after the intervention were significant (p<0.05), but in the control group, only the changes in the mean score of performance were significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that the HBM-based intervention is effective in promoting nurses' knowledge, attitude, and performance in preventing nosocomial infections. hence, periodical and in-service HBM-based training programs on preventing nosocomial infections are recommended to be held for nurses.

Exploring the experiences of operating room health care professionals' from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The operating room nurses have encountered several challenges during the current COVID-19 Pandemic, which subsequently impact their clinical performance. The present study aimed to investigate the experiences of operating room health care professionals' regarding the COVID-19 pandemic challenges in southern Iran. METHODS: This is a descriptive qualitative study. The required data were collected using in-depth and semi-structured interviews. Accordingly, 19 operating room health care professions were included in this study through purposive sampling. The data were collected from February 2020 to August 2021 and then analyzed using the Granheim and Lundman's method. RESULTS: Three main themes and 9 sub-themes were presented in this study. They included: 1- Challenges of applying protocols and standards of care in the COVID-19 pandemic in the operating room (lack of specific guidelines regarding care protocols and standards for crisis management of Covid-19 in the operating room and impossibility of keeping social distance in the operating room). 2- Professional challenges (tedious and hard work, professional burnout, lack of adequate support by the managers and lack of personal protective equipment). 3-Psychological crises (indescribable anxiety and worry, parenting stress, and weakened resilience). CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of the present study, it was indicated that lack of a specific guideline in the COVID-19 pandemic led to a sense of indecision and confusion among operating room staff. In this regard, performing tedious tasks, feelings of tiredness and exhaustion, lack of support by the authorities, and lack of access to adequate facilities and equipment were reported as the professional challenges of the healthcare staff in the current COVID-19 pandemic, which consequently affected the quality of care and patient's safety. It seems that hospital officials can use the results reported in this study for efficient planning and effective management during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Relationship between Spiritual Intelligence and Professional Self-concept among Iranian Nurses.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship between spiritual intelligence (SI) and professional self-concept (PSC) among Iranian nurses. METHODS: This is a correlation study. A convenience sampling method was used and 344 nurses were selected from hospitals of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences. Data collection standard tools included two validated scales: Cowin's Nurse Self-Concept Questionnaire (36 items scored ranged from 1 to 8; Maximum score=288; 6 subcategories: General Nurse Self-Concept, Knowledge, Care, Communication, Staff Relation and Leadership) and Abdollahzadeh's SI Questionnaire (29 items scored ranged from 0 to 5; Maximum score=145; 2 subcategories: Relying on the inner core and Understanding and communicating with the origin of the universe. RESULTS: The mean total score of PSC was 220.3±30.61 and 120.67±16.13 for SI. There was a significant statistical correlation between PSC (r=0.348, p<0.0001) and almost all subcategories and SI. The results of the regression analysis showed that SI predicts 13.3% of the variance of PSC (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the correlation of SI and PSC among Iranian nurses, it is suggested that strategies be used to train and promote the SI of nurses.

Relationship between Spiritual Intelligence and Professional Self-concept among Iranian Nurses / Relación entre la inteligencia espiritual y el autoconcepto profesional entre las enfermeras iraníes / Relação entre inteligência espiritual e autoconceito profissional entre enfermeiras iranianas

Objective. To determine the relationship between spiritual intelligence (SI) and professional self-concept (PSC) among Iranian nurses. Methods. This is a correlation study. A convenience sampling method was used and 344 nurses were selected from hospitals of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences. Data collection standard tools included two validated scales: Cowin's Nurse Self-Concept Questionnaire (36 items scored ranged from 1 to 8; Maximum score=288; 6 subcategories: General Nurse Self-Concept, Knowledge, Care, Communication, Staff Relation and Leadership) and Abdollahzadeh's SI Questionnaire (29 items scored ranged from 0 to 5; Maximum score=145; 2 subcategories: Relying on the inner core and Understanding and communicating with the origin of the universe. Results. The mean total score of PSC was 220.3±30.61 and 120.67±16.13 for SI. There was a significant statistical correlation between PSC (r=0.348, p<0.0001) and almost all subcategories and SI. The results of the regression analysis showed that SI predicts 13.3% of the variance of PSC (p<0.0001). Conclusion. Considering the correlation of SI and PSC among Iranian nurses, it is suggested that strategies be used to train and promote the SI of nurses.

Objetivo. Determinar la relación entre la inteligencia espiritual y el autoconcepto profesional entre las enfermeras iraníes. Métodos. Se trata de un estudio correlacional. Se utilizó un método de muestreo por conveniencia y se seleccionaron 344 enfermeras de los hospitales de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Jahrom. Los instrumentos de recolección de los datos incluían dos escalas validadas: Cuestionario de autoconcepto de la enfermera de Cowin (36 ítems con puntuaciones que van de 1 a 8; puntuación máxima=288; 6 subcategorías: Autoconcepto enfermero general, Conocimiento, Cuidados, Comunicación, Relación con el personal y Liderazgo) y el Cuestionario de Inteligencia Espiritual de Abdollahzadeh (29 ítems puntuados de 0 a 5; Puntuación máxima=145; 2 subcategorías: Apoyarse en el núcleo interno y Comprender y comunicarse con el origen del universo). Resultados. La puntuación total media del Autoconcepto Profesional fue de 220.3±30.61 y de 120.67±16.13 para Inteligencia Espiritual. Hubo una correlación estadística significativa entre el puntaje total de la escala Autoconcepto Professional (r=0.348, p<0.0001) y de casi todas sus subcategorías, con la Inteligencia Espiritual. Los resultados del análisis de regresión mostraron que la Inteligencia Espiritual predice el 13.3% de la varianza del autoconcepto profesional (p<0.0001). Conclusión. Existe correlación entre la Inteligencia Espiritual y el Autoconcepto Profesional entre las enfermeras iraníes. En este sentido, se sugiere que se utilicen estrategias para formar y promover la Inteligencia Espiritual de las enfermeras.

Objetivo. Determinar a relação entre inteligência espiritual e autoconceito profissional entre enfermeiras iranianas. Métodos. Este é um estudo correlacional. Um método de amostragem de conveniência foi usado e 344 enfermeiras foram selecionadas dos hospitais da Jahrom University of Medical Sciences. Os instrumentos de coleta de dados incluíram duas escalas validadas: Questionário de autoconceito do enfermeiro de Cowin (36 itens com pontuação variando de 1 a 8; pontuação máxima = 288; 6 subcategorias: Autoconceito geral de enfermagem, Conhecimento, Cuidado, Comunicação, Relacionamento com a equipe e Liderança) e o Questionário de Inteligência Espiritual de Abdollahzadeh (29 itens pontuados de 0 a 5; Pontuação máxima = 145; 2 subcategorias: Baseando-se no núcleo interno e entendendo e se comunicando com a origem do universo. Resultados. A pontuação total média para o profissional do autoconceito foi de 220.3 ± 30.61 e 120.67 ± 16.13 para Inteligência Espiritual, houve correlação estatisticamente significante entre a pontuação total da escala de Autoconceito Profissional (r = 0.348, p <0.0001) e quase todas as suas subcategorias, com Inteligência Espiritual. Os resultados da análise de regressão mostraram que a Inteligência Espiritual prediz 13.3% da variância do autoconceito ou profissional (p <0.0001). Conclusão. Existe uma correlação entre Inteligência Espiritual e Autoconceito Profissional entre os enfermeiros iranianos,

[Factors affecting nursing students' professional self-concept in Iran: a qualitative study]. / Fattori che influenzano il concetto di sé professionale degli studenti infermieri in Iran: uno studio qualitativo.

INTRODUCTION: Professional self-concept is a contextualized multidimensional concept that describes the subjective experiences and feelings of nurses with regard to nursing roles. Professional self-concept starts to develop during the academic years. Yet, there is still limited understanding about the factors affecting nursing students' professional self-concept, which is a potential problem. Poor professional self-concept negatively affects nurses' clinical practice, job satisfaction, and retention in the profession. AIM: This study aimed to explore factors affecting Iranian nursing students' professional self- concept from the perspectives of nursing students, nursing instructors, and hospital nurses. METHODS: This exploratory qualitative study was carried out from June 2018 to April 2019. Participants were four hospital nurses, three clinical nursing instructors, and four nursing stu- dents who were purposively selected from the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. Data were gathered via in-depth semi-structured interviews and were analyzed via con- ventional content analysis proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. FINDINGS: In total, 610 primary codes were generated and grouped into eleven subthemes and five main themes. The main themes of the study were professional instructors, competent nur- ses, informed choice of nursing profession, difficulties of nursing profession, and congruence between students' personal-professional values and nursing profession. CONCLUSION: Professional self-concept is affected by different personal, educational, envi- ronmental, and social factors. Nursing instructors, hospital managers, and nurse managers can use the findings of this study to support nursing students, promote their professional self-con- cept, and ensure their retention in the profession.