I am Janne Vanuytrecht, a proud nurse by background and currently a PhD researcher affiliated with the University of Antwerp and the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO). Alongside my research, I contribute to the Master of Nursing and Midwifery at UAntwerpen, where I am involved in teaching and coaching within the domains of management, innovation, and leadership in healthcare. My work centres on the development of professional identity among both individual nurses and nursing teams, as part of a broader focus on nurse empowerment—strengthening nurses’ voice, position, and professional growth.
Motivation
I am driven by the opportunity to amplify the voices of (future) nurses and to create initiatives that support their engagement, development, and sustainable integration into the profession. My goal is to help nurses embrace their roles with confidence, ownership, and professional fulfilment. I am particularly inspired by the opportunity to co-create future-oriented learning and work environments, together with students, educators, and healthcare professionals.
Research focus
My doctoral research explores the transition from student to professional, focusing on how professional identity develops among early-career nurses and how this contributes to well-being and retention.I examine the factors that shape this process and its outcomes, including resilience, self-leadership, and emotional intelligence. A key component of my work is the development and application of a novel questionnaire that captures professional identity across cognitive, affective, and behavioural dimensions.The ultimate aim is to translate these insights into practical tools and evidence-based interventions that support nurses in fully embodying their professional role—from learning to become a nurse to confidently acting, thinking, and feeling as one.
Teaching contributions
I contribute to teaching in the bridging programme, where I support students in developing essential academic and professional skills.In addition, I supervise master’s theses and guide students during their clinical placements within the Leadership in Health and Care specialisation.
Services and collaboration
I offer interactive lectures, workshops, and training programmes on the professional development of nurses and nursing students.By combining practical experience with academic expertise, I create engaging and accessible learning experiences that effectively connect theory and practice. My interests include psychological empowerment, clinical leadership, resilience, and emotional intelligence within the nursing profession.My approach is characterised by enthusiasm, precision, and a strong commitment to meaningful impact.