Professional values and ethical sensitivities of student nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract

BackgroundProfessional values in nursing are the foundation of ethical practice affecting patient care quality.AimThe purpose of the present study was to evaluate the development of professional values and ethical sensitivities among new nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsA prospective observational study with a pre‐test and post‐test design was used. The sample constituted students (n = 302). The Nurses Professional Values Scale‐Revised and Modified Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire for Student Nurses were used for collecting data.ResultsProfessional values post‐test mean scores of participants were significantly higher than the pre‐test scores (p < 0.001). No significant difference was determined between the pre‐test and post‐test mean scores of ethical sensitivity (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe current study concluded that the professional values of newly graduated nurses developed during the COVID‐19 pandemic, but there was no change in ethical sensitivities.Implications for nursing and health policyThis study provides one of the first pieces of evidence for nursing educators and managers to assess the professional values and ethical sensitivities of newly qualified nurses who may have been affected both during and after the outbreak. Newly qualified nurses should are valued members of the health care institutions, and orientation programmes should be implemented to improve their perceptions of the profession.

Professional Values of Undergraduate Students at a Nursing School in South Africa

“…More importance an individual ascribes to a value statement was reflected in a higher total score, with scores below 43, between 43 and 86, and above 86 classified as overall low, medium or moderate, and high importance of professional values, respectively [ 7 ]. Studies conducted in Nigeria, Iran, Israel, Spain, and Turkey demonstrated scale reliability of the scale with a range of Cronbach Alphas from α = 0.81 to α = 0.96 [ 1 , 3 , 7 , 9 , 13 ]. This was also confirmed in this study ( α = 0.941).…”

“…Professional nursing values are the foundation of daily nursing care practice [ 1 ] and a corner stone in the selection and training of future nurses [ 2 , 3 ]. To ensure quality ethical nursing care [ 4 , 5 ], these values serve as a guideline for their professional behavior [ 6 ].…”

Structural equation modeling of factors associated with nursing students' professionalism during the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…Previous research has established a connection between the development of positive professionalism in nursing students and their subsequent positive perception of the nursing profession upon entering the workforce (Fitzgerald & Clukey, 2022; Tang et al, 2022). Recent studies also indicate that the COVID‐19 pandemic has influenced nursing students' professional development as well as the leaning process (Ayaz‐Alkaya & Akca, 2022; Russo et al, 2023). Consequently, gaining insights into methods for cultivating professionalism among pre‐licensure nursing students holds significant importance.…”