Abstract: Objective: To explore the role growth process of PICC specialist nurses and the potential influencing factors. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 PICC nurses from August to November, 2021. The interview data was analyzed using Nvivo software based on constructivism grounded theory. Results: The role growth process of PICC specialist nurses could be divided into four periods, namely, the recognition period, the establishment period, the coping period and the transformation period. It was influenced by such factors as internal interest, external cognition and evaluation, job pre-admittance preparation, correct establishment of role cognition, pressure in role growth, coping strategy of role pressure, role deepening and role degradation. Conclusion: The role growth of PICC specialist nurses is a complex dynamic change process. Nursing managers can give targeted attention and guidance according to the characteristics of different periods, so as to promote the smooth transformation and growth of nurses' roles.

Key words: PICC specialist nurse; role growth process; association standard; grounded theory; qualitative research