Discussion: Based on the established qualitative categories in our research, we developed an explanatory model
that is a good starting point for reflecting on where nursing is today and where it should be heading in the future,
and is recommended for nurses, nursing managers, deans of nursing colleges, officials in nursing associations
and others. Research findings are especially relevant for countries in which nursing is currently a poorly developed
scientific discipline and in which steps need to be taken fast to promote knowledge development and the role of
nurses in society.