Moderating Effect of Professional Identity on the Relationship Between Transition Shock and Career Intention Among Nursing Students During Clinical Internship: A Longitudinal Ecological Momentary Assessment.

BACKGROUND

Nursing interns (fourth-year undergraduate nursing students in their clinical practicum) often report low career intention, closely linked to transition shock during role transition.

PURPOSE: To examine how transition shock affects career intention and the moderating role of professional identity using ecological momentary assessment.

METHODS

The study tracked 1162 nested observations of 83 nursing interns over 14 days. Data were analyzed using a 2-level Hierarchical Linear Modeling.

RESULTS

Transition shock was relatively high (69.22 ± 25.17) and varied significantly (P < .01), while career intention remained moderate and stable (2.42 ± 0.82). Sociocultural and development shock negatively predicted career intention (β = .02, P < .01). Professional identity showed a direct protective effect (β = -.01, P < .01) but no moderating role.

CONCLUSIONS

Nursing interns show fluctuating shock but stable career intention. Sociocultural challenges lower intention, while professional identity buffers it. Strengthening professional identity mitigates shock, and better adaptation supports internship success.