Professional Identity and Intention to Leave Nursing Among Generation Z Nursing Students: A Multisite Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the association between professional identity (PI) and the intention to leave (ITL) during prelicensure education. PURPOSE: In this study, we aimed to examine associations between PI and ITL and to identify which PI dimensions and demographic characteristics are independently related to ITL among students during their prelicensure education. METHODS: A multisite, descriptive correlational study was conducted with cross-sectional data from 3rd- and 4th-year nursing students (n = 305) in Saudi Arabia. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models tested associations between individual characteristics, PI, and ITL. RESULTS: Overall, 28.9% reported ITL. The likelihood of ITL was lower for students with a higher PI, those in year 4, and those who selected nursing as their first-choice program. Two subscales, Professional Self-Image and Benefit of Retention/Risk of Turnover, were independent predictors of ITL. CONCLUSIONS: PI is strongly associated with ITL. Longitudinal and intervention studies should test pathways and evaluate strategies to support the development of PI.