This document discusses the development of professional identity in nursing students. It states that professional identity formation is a continuous process that begins in nursing school and evolves throughout one's career. It involves internalizing seven core values from the NLN Education Competencies Model, including excellence, caring, integrity, diversity, holism, patient-centeredness, and ethical practice. Nurse educators play an important role in serving as role models and facilitating guided reflection on clinical experiences to help students assimilate professional nursing roles and continue developing their professional identity.