Our study aimed to examine the mediating effects of self-esteem and nursing professionalism on the relationship between incivility experienced in clinical practice and career identity among nursing students.
A total of 200 nursing students from 6 u...
Our study aimed to examine the mediating effects of self-esteem and nursing professionalism on the relationship between incivility experienced in clinical practice and career identity among nursing students.
A total of 200 nursing students from 6 universities, located in C province, South Korea, participated in our study. We collected data from September 1 to September 30, 2025. Data analysis was conducted using mean difference analysis, correlation analysis, and mediation analysis with Hayes’ PROCESS macro (Model 6).
Our results indicate that high levels of incivility experienced in clinical practice are associated with low levels of career identity (r=−.25, p<.001), self-esteem (r=−.18, p=.013), and nursing professionalism (r=−.38, p<.001). In contrast, high levels of self-esteem (r=.41, p<.001) and nursing professionalism (r=.43, p<.001) are associated with high levels of career identity. In addition, high levels of self-esteem are associated with high levels of nursing professionalism (r=.39, p<.001). Incivility experienced during clinical practice showed a significant total negative effect on career identity (B=−.18, 95% CI [−.301, −.062]). However, this direct effect became non-significant after controlling for self-esteem and nursing professionalism (B=−.06, 95% CI [−.181, .055]). Furthermore, significant indirect effects were observed through self-esteem (B=−.04, 95% CI [−.086, −.004]) and nursing professionalism (B=−.07, 95% CI [−.122, −.023]), as well as a significant sequential indirect effect through self-esteem and nursing professionalism (B=−.01, 95% CI [−.031, −.001]).
Our findings suggest that incivility experienced in clinical practice does not directly affect but may indirectly affect the career identity of nursing students through sequential deteriorations in self-esteem and nursing professionalism. Therefore, it may be pivotal to improve clinical practice environments and implement educational programs that enhance self-esteem and strengthen professional values, to positively reinforce career identity among nursing students.
Key words: Nursing students, Clinical practice, Incivility, Career identity, Self-esteem, Nursing professionalism