Abstract
We investigated the development of professional commitment over time and its relation to work experiences of novice nurses. We used a longitudinal mixed-method approach based on weekly reported quantitative commitment scores and qualitative descriptions of experiences. Specifically, we examined turning points in commitment trajectories and analyzed qualitative characteristics of the turning point. To determine a turning point, we firstly computed a smoothed trajectory for each individual point beyond the 95%-confidence interval and defined this point as exceptional. Secondly, we explored whether the commitment development changed after an exceptional point with regard to the slope-valence or commitment strength. The sample consisted of 18 novice nurses. Two third of them revealed at least one turning point. Analysis showed that turning points followed by positive commitment development typically were characterized by positive experiences. These experiences often concerned relatedness or competence. Turning points followed by a negative development were inconsistent: they could be positive, negative, or ambiguous. Many of the negative experiences concerned negative organizational issues.
We concluded that there is not a simple relation between commitment development and positive or negative characteristics of an experience. The context and underlying meaning of the experiences should be taken into account to interpret commitment changes.
We concluded that there is not a simple relation between commitment development and positive or negative characteristics of an experience. The context and underlying meaning of the experiences should be taken into account to interpret commitment changes.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 227-242 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | Identity: An International Journal of Theory and Research |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 3 |
Early online date | 6-Mar-2024 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2024 |