Background: Moral care provision is an essential part of nursing work. Nursing schools are responsible for developing moral competencies in nursing students. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between moral competencies and the formation of professional identity among nursing students. Methods: This study was designed as a descriptive-correlational study. The study population consisted of nursing students who were enrolled in nursing schools at the time of the study. Two hundred and twenty-one nursing students completed the study tools. The research tools were a demographic questionnaire, Moral Development Scale for Professionals (MDSP), and Professional Identity Scale for Nursing Students (PISNS). Results: The mean (SD) of MDSP and PISNS scores were 45.69±5.90 and 55.61±12.75, respectively. There was a significant statistical relationship between MSDP and PISNS scores (p<0.05). A significant equation was found (f (2, 218) = 16.68, p<0.001) with an R2 of 0.113. The MSDP scores increased 0.136 for each score of PISNS, and married students had 2.452 scores higher than single students. Conclusions: There was a significant correlation between the formation of professional identity and development of morality in nursing students. By supporting the formation of professional identity, nursing schools can help the development of moral competencies in nursing students.

Practices of nursing care in traditional Chinese medicine are based mainly on the theories of yin-yang and the five elements. There are two prime characteristics in the theoretical system of TCN: holism and nursing determination based on syndrome differentiation. The distinctive content include prevention, daily care of patients, dietary nursing, etc. TCN, with its characteristics of little damage, little pain, ease of operation and low cost, is appropriately used in primary health care in China. By combining Western and Eastern philosophies and approaches to nursing, life phenomena can be better understood, and more ways to promote health can be exploited. Scientists are beginning to use Western research methods to establish effectiveness. Many common interventions would not, however, be considered safe in Western nursing practice without more evidence and consideration of health and safety issues.

No abstract