The Influence of Calling, Nursing professionalism and Empathy on Moral sensitivity of Nursing Students

Abstract

Objectives This study is performed to identify the relationship among calling, nursing professionalism, empathy and moral sensitivity and to identify the predictors of moral sensitivity among nursing students Methods The study utilized a cross-sectional descriptive research design. Data were collected from November 5 to 27, 2020 enrolling 245 nursing students through online survey. The collected data were analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, ANOVA, Scheffé test, Pearson correlation analysis and hierarchical multiple regression with the SPSS Win 25.0 Program Results The mean score of moral sensitivity was 4.95±0.60 out of a possible 7. Moral sensitivity showed a significantly positive correlation with calling (r=.349, p<.001) nursing professionalism (r=.367, p<.001), empathy (r=.464, p<.001). In the hierarchical multiple regression analysis, empathy (β=.386, p<.001) and nursing professionalism (β=.196, p=.003), along with senior grade (β=-.186, p=.011) were significant predictors and explained 30.6% of variance im moral sensitivity. Conclusions The results of this study showed that empathy, nursing profession and the senior grade are significant factors affecting the moral sensitivity of nursing students. Based on these results, it is essential to develop and implement an education program that considers empathy and nursing professionalism to improve the moral sensitivity of nursing students.