WHY I WANT TO BE A PSYCHIATRIC-NURSE - CONSTRUCTING AN IDENTITY THROUGH CONTRASTS WITH GENERAL NURSING

The justification of psychiatric specialization among undergraduate nu rsing students is examined. The data highlight how students are able t o produce a positive view of their initial entry into nursing and then later create a positive and distinctive specialist occupational ident ity through negative comparisons with general nursing, Their experienc e in both psychiatric and general settings is drawn upon to add credib ility to their claims, Contrasts based on the work schedules, patient focus, professional autonomy, opportunity for professional development , and required skills are considered.