Recommendations for Further Development

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 90 views

Introduction

Self-concept is a vital knowledge that influences individual life experiences, including prospective nurses in the Faculty of Nursing, University of North Sumatra (USU). It is a complex concept that consists of five components, which are not formed instantly. Instead, it takes a deep understanding of oneself from an internal and external perspective. For students of the Nursing Professional Program, a good self-concept will significantly affect their behavior and motivation in pursuing nursing careers and education.

The Importance of Self-Concept in Nursing Education

Self-concept plays a crucial role in shaping the behavior and attitudes of nursing students. It influences their perception of themselves, their abilities, and their roles as future nurses. A positive self-concept is essential for nursing students to develop a strong sense of identity, confidence, and motivation. It enables them to navigate the challenges of nursing education and practice with ease. On the other hand, a negative self-concept can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and decreased motivation, ultimately affecting their performance and career prospects.

Methodology of the Study

This study employed a quantitative descriptive design with a sampling technique called cluster sampling. The research sample consisted of regular Nursing Professional Program students who were registered during the 2015/2016 academic year. The study aimed to identify the general description of the self-concept of Nursing Professional Program students in the USU Faculty of Nursing and explore each component of specific self-concept.

Results of the Study

The results of the study showed that all Nursing Professional Program students have a positive self-concept. The details of the results are as follows:

98% of students have a positive body image
98% have a realistic self-ideal
88.2% show high self-esteem
100% feel satisfied with the performance of their role
100% have a clarity of personal identity as a nurse

These numbers reflect an excellent quality of students' self-concept. However, there are still some recommendations for further development.

Recommendations for Further Development

Although the results of the study show positive things, it is better for learning methods in the Nursing Professional Program to pay more attention to aspects of self-development. Learning activities that can increase self-introduction and create healthy competitions between students in the campus environment and in practice in hospitals and clinics are highly recommended. A deeper self-introduction will increase their confidence, which in turn has a positive impact when they complete the Nursing Professional education.

Conclusion

Strengthening self-concept among students is not only beneficial in the context of education but is also important for their preparation to face challenges in the professional world. Good coaching in creating a healthy and supportive learning environment can improve the quality of graduates, so as to be able to compete in the increasingly competitive health industry. Through this research, it is expected that the faculty can be more sensitive to the needs of students in developing self-concept that will support their success in the future.

Implications for Nursing Education

The findings of this study have significant implications for nursing education. They highlight the importance of incorporating self-concept development into the curriculum of the Nursing Professional Program. This can be achieved through various learning activities, such as:

Self-reflection and self-awareness exercises
Group discussions and debates
Role-playing and simulations
Mentorship and coaching programs

By incorporating these activities, nursing educators can help students develop a positive self-concept, which is essential for their success in the nursing profession.

Limitations of the Study

This study has some limitations that should be acknowledged. The sample size was limited to regular Nursing Professional Program students who were registered during the 2015/2016 academic year. Future studies should aim to include a larger and more diverse sample of students to generalize the findings.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to explore the relationship between self-concept and academic performance, as well as the impact of self-concept on the career prospects of nursing graduates. Additionally, studies should investigate the effectiveness of different learning activities in promoting self-concept development among nursing students.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of self-concept in nursing education. The findings suggest that nursing students have a positive self-concept, which is essential for their success in the nursing profession. However, there are still some recommendations for further development, such as incorporating self-concept development into the curriculum of the Nursing Professional Program. By doing so, nursing educators can help students develop a positive self-concept, which will enable them to navigate the challenges of nursing education and practice with ease.

Q: What is self-concept, and why is it important in nursing education?

A: Self-concept is a complex concept that consists of five components: self-awareness, self-esteem, self-ideal, body image, and personal identity. It is essential in nursing education because it influences students' behavior, attitudes, and motivation. A positive self-concept enables students to develop a strong sense of identity, confidence, and motivation, which are crucial for their success in the nursing profession.

Q: How can nursing educators promote self-concept development among students?

A: Nursing educators can promote self-concept development among students through various learning activities, such as:

Self-reflection and self-awareness exercises
Group discussions and debates
Role-playing and simulations
Mentorship and coaching programs
Incorporating self-concept development into the curriculum of the Nursing Professional Program

Q: What are the benefits of a positive self-concept in nursing education?

A: A positive self-concept has several benefits in nursing education, including:

Increased confidence and motivation
Improved academic performance
Enhanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Better communication and interpersonal skills
Greater resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges

Q: How can nursing students develop a positive self-concept?

A: Nursing students can develop a positive self-concept by:

Engaging in self-reflection and self-awareness exercises
Participating in group discussions and debates
Practicing role-playing and simulations
Seeking mentorship and coaching from experienced nurses
Focusing on their strengths and accomplishments
Developing a growth mindset and embracing challenges

Q: What are the challenges of developing a positive self-concept in nursing education?

A: Some challenges of developing a positive self-concept in nursing education include:

Negative self-talk and self-doubt
Fear of failure and rejection
Perfectionism and high expectations
Limited resources and support
Cultural and societal pressures

Q: How can nursing educators address the challenges of developing a positive self-concept?

A: Nursing educators can address the challenges of developing a positive self-concept by:

Providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment
Encouraging self-reflection and self-awareness
Fostering a growth mindset and embracing challenges
Offering resources and support for students
Promoting diversity and inclusion

Q: What is the relationship between self-concept and academic performance in nursing education?

A: Research suggests that there is a positive relationship between self-concept and academic performance in nursing education. Students with a positive self-concept tend to perform better academically and have higher levels of motivation and confidence.

Q: How can nursing educators measure self-concept in nursing education?

A: Nursing educators can measure self-concept in nursing education using various tools and instruments, such as:

Self-concept questionnaires and surveys
Reflective journals and diaries
Focus groups and interviews
Observational studies and case studies

Q: What are the implications of self-concept for nursing practice?

A: Self-concept has significant implications for nursing practice, including:

Improved patient care and outcomes
Enhanced communication and interpersonal skills
Greater empathy and compassion
Better decision-making and problem-solving
Increased job satisfaction and retention

Q: How can nursing educators promote self-concept development in the clinical setting?

A: Nursing educators can promote self-concept development in the clinical setting by:

Providing opportunities for students to practice self-reflection and self-awareness
Encouraging students to take ownership of their learning and practice
Fostering a supportive and inclusive clinical environment
Offering resources and support for students
Promoting diversity and inclusion