Professional identity in psychiatric nursing: a qualitative study of nurses’ perceptions and influencing factors

BACKGROUND: Professional identity in nursing enhances understanding of the profession, acceptance of professional roles, and self-awareness, enhancing patient care overall. Here, we aimed to explore the professional identity of nurses within psychiatric environments. METHODS: We employed a qualitative descriptive design. Individual and semi-structured interviews were conducted with nurses (n = 28) working in psychiatric wards. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. RESULTS: Data analysis identified professional identity as a central construct, primarily expressed through ethical excellence, and shaped by internal (professional interaction) and external (cultural threats, organizational and social support) influences. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that professional identity is a foundational characteristic of psychiatric nursing, grounded in ethical excellence and shaped by professional and sociocultural influences. Professional identity emerged as a morally grounded and socially negotiated construct, continuously shaped by dynamic interactions within clinical and societal contexts. These findings offer a strategic framework for nursing policymakers to strengthen professional resilience within psychiatric care.