Facilitators and Barriers to the Professionalization of Nursing in Iran

In recent years, healthcare organizations have supported the professionalization of nursing in order to improve the quality of care delivered to patients. The purpose of this study was to explore facilitators and barriers to professionalization of nursing in Iran.Methods:A qualitative study was conducted using the conventional content analysis. Semi-structured interviews were held with 18 nurses working in various nursing positions and in different healthcare settings. Themes related to the professionalization of nursing was developed. Results:During the data analysis, five themes were developed: “communication”, “motivation and attitude”, “organizational culture and structure”, “academic education”, and “supportive resources”. Each theme as a factor impacted the professionalization of nursing in a positive or negative manner.Conclusion:Recognizing factors influencing professionalization of nursing contributes to improvement of quality of nursing care delivered to patients. Healthcare system authorities can facilitate the development of the nursing profession and facilitate the professionalization of nursing through increasing the number of postgraduate nurses and also improving the nurses’ work conditions.