Guideline for Identity Development to The Graduate of Prachomklao College of Nursing, Phetchaburi Province: Mixed Methods Research

Abstract

Introduction: The identity of a nursing graduate is important in creating a symbol of  nurse’s identity  to create a positive image of nursing profession.   

Research objectives: This study aimed to: 1) examine the identity of nursing graduate, Prachomklao College of Nursing, Phetchaburi Province; and 2) study guidelines for graduates’ identity development.

Research methodology: The mixed-methods explanatory sequential design was used in this study. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit 363 participants, including  commanders, colleagues, and graduates. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Analysis of Variance, and the Pearson correlation coefficient.  Qualitative data were collected using in-depth interviews with key informants and then were analyzed using content analysis.

Results:  Research findings were as follows:

1. Overall mean score of the identity of nursing graduate was at a high level (M= 4.29). Opinions of commanders, colleagues, and graduates regarding the identity of nursing graduates were no difference.  Attitude towards nursing profession, achievement motivation, learning styles, and learning environment statistically significant correlated to graduate’s identity (p<.01) (r= .663, 654, .572, and .371, respectively)

2.Guideline for developing graduates’ identity should: 1) formulate policy for laying an integrated ladder for each grade and support lifelong learning; 2) organize teaching and learning according to generation of nursing students to become transformative leader; 3) organize moral college activities continually and build professional pride; 4) promote role models; and 5) organize corporate culture to create happiness and knowledge management.      

Conclusions: Findings of this study can be used to develop a guideline for improving identity of nursing graduate.

Implications: The identity of nursing graduates should be developed through promoting attitude towards nursing profession and achievement motivation obtained from co-curricular activities with seniors and juniors. Teaching styles, focusing on students’ participation in learning activities in the community and real situations continuously, might deliver nursing graduates with good quality to the real community.