In a groundbreaking study anticipated to reshape the educational landscape for nursing and midwifery programs, researchers have illuminated the crucial roles that professional self-efficacy and identity play in enhancing spiritual care competence among students. The work, conducted by Norouzi, Ahmadi, and Mohammadi, specifically examines these dimensions as predictors that can significantly influence the quality of spiritual care provided by future healthcare professionals. As nursing and midwifery increasingly recognize the importance of spiritual well-being in holistic care, this research has significant implications for how educational curricula are designed and implemented.
The study arises from a growing acknowledgment that healthcare is not solely a physical or biological endeavor; it is also profoundly psychological and spiritual. Students embarking on careers in nursing and midwifery are often exposed to patients who distressingly navigate complex spiritual dilemmas alongside their medical conditions. Therefore, equipping these budding professionals with the tools they need to provide comprehensive care is paramount. By focusing on spiritual care competence, the research advocates for a more integrated approach, honing in on the competencies that lead to better patient outcomes in times of spiritual need.
One of the central tenets of the research is professional self-efficacy, which refers to an individual’s belief in their ability to execute behaviors necessary for producing specific performance attainments. In the context of nursing and midwifery, this translates into the confidence to engage emotionally and spiritually with patients, recognizing their unique spiritual needs. The study posits that students with high levels of self-efficacy are more likely to perform well in these domains, ultimately fostering a more compassionate and understanding healthcare environment.
Next, the researchers delve into the concept of professional identity, a multifaceted construct that encapsulates how individuals perceive themselves within their professional roles. The study hypothesizes that a strong professional identity among nursing and midwifery students can lead to increased engagement in spiritual care. As students develop a more profound sense of belonging within their profession, they may be more inclined to prioritize and effectively deliver spiritual care, thereby enhancing their overall competence in this area.
While the findings of this study are promising, they underscore the importance of incorporating both self-efficacy and professional identity development into nursing and midwifery education. Current curricula could benefit from a structured emphasis on these aspects through targeted workshops, mentorship programs, and reflective practices. By fostering environments where students can build confidence and identify with their futures as healthcare providers, educational institutions can significantly enhance the spirituality of care given to patients.
In their research design, Norouzi and colleagues employed a mixed-methods approach, gathering quantitative data through surveys and qualitative insights through interviews with students. This comprehensive strategy enabled the researchers to enrich their findings, setting a strong foundation for future studies in this emerging area of interest. The surveys focused on measuring students’ levels of self-efficacy, professional identity, and perceived competence in spiritual care, providing a robust dataset for analysis.
Initial results from the study indicate a clear relationship between professional self-efficacy and spiritual care performance. Students who feel more capable and competent are not only likely to engage with their patients more effectively on a spiritual level but also report higher satisfaction in their professional roles. This correlation presents a compelling argument for investments in educational programs that bolster confidence and self-efficacy among nursing and midwifery students.
Moreover, the research argues for the creation of campuses that foster dialogue and reflection on the spiritual dimensions of care. Educational institutions are thus encouraged to implement structured environments where students can explore their professional identities in depth. By facilitating peer interactions, mentorship opportunities, and open discussions about spirituality, schools can nurture an ethos that aligns with the compassionate practice of nursing and midwifery.
To extend these findings, the researchers aim to explore longitudinal aspects of self-efficacy and identity. They propose that tracking students beyond their education into their professional practice can yield valuable insights into how these predictors influence actual patient care and professional satisfaction over time. This approach could pave the way for more tailored curricular adjustments that adapt to the evolving needs of healthcare professionals.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements and changing patient demographics, ongoing research in spiritual care competence becomes increasingly vital. This study not only contributes valuable insights to the discourse but also serves as a rallying cry for educational leaders and policymakers to consider the holistic development of future healthcare providers. The impending findings could spark a much-needed revolution in how nursing and midwifery students are trained, potentially transforming the quality of care provided to patients at their most vulnerable moments.
In conclusion, Norouzi, Ahmadi, and Mohammadi’s work offers essential evidence that professional self-efficacy and identity are pivotal in shaping spiritual care competence among nursing and midwifery students. As the implications of this research unfold, it has the potential to catalyze significant changes in both educational practices and patient care standards. Embracing this evidence could lead to a new generation of healthcare professionals equipped not only with clinical skills but also with the confidence and identity necessary to provide compassionate, holistic care.
The combination of technical expertise and genuine concern for patients’ spiritual needs will inevitably enhance the quality of nursing and midwifery care, setting a new benchmark for what it means to be a healthcare provider in the modern age. This kind of integrated approach is essential as we look to the future of healthcare education and patient care, ensuring that all dimensions of health are considered, realized, and valued.
Subject of Research: The influence of professional self-efficacy and identity on spiritual care competence in nursing and midwifery students.
Article Title: Professional self-efficacy and identity as predictors of spiritual care competence in nursing and midwifery students.
Article References: Norouzi, N., Ahmadi, M. & Mohammadi, S. Professional self-efficacy and identity as predictors of spiritual care competence in nursing and midwifery students. BMC Nurs 24, 1498 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-04138-x
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-04138-x
Keywords: Professional self-efficacy, professional identity, spiritual care competence, nursing education, midwifery education.
Tags: educational curriculum for nursing programsenhancing competencies in spiritual carefuture healthcare professional developmentholistic patient care approachesidentity in nursing and midwiferyimportance of spirituality in nursing carenursing and midwifery training implicationspredictors of spiritual well-being in healthcarepsychological aspects of healthcareself-efficacy in nursing educationspiritual care competence in healthcarespiritual dilemmas in patient care
