Factors facilitating the process of the acquisition of moral competence in nursing managers: A qualitative content analysis.

Background: One of the essential dimensions of managerial competencies is moral competence. The purpose of this study was to explain the factors that facilitate the acquisition of moral competence in nursing managers in Iranian culture.

Materials and methods: This qualitative study employed a content analysis approach to investigate the viewpoints and experiences of 14 nursing managers working in educational medical centers across Iran, Golestan province in 2023. Participants were purposefully sampled to ensure maximum diversity in terms of age, work experience, management experience, educational background, professional position, and gender. Data collection involved conducting 18 in-depth interviews, utilizing both nonstructured and semistructured formats. Subsequent data analysis employed contractual content analysis techniques, facilitated by coding using MAXQDA software version 20. To ensure the trustworthiness and credibility of the findings, Lincoln and Guba's criteria were rigorously applied.

Results: The data analysis resulted in the extraction of 18 subcategories and 5 main categories. The main categories included: interactive learning, inspiration from the model, social-cultural learning environment, multimedia education, and an excellent organizational climate.

Conclusion: In this study, several facilitating factors were identified in the acquisition of moral competence of nursing managers. It is recommended to use these factors as a framework for acquiring and improving the moral competencies of nursing managers in order to face ethical issues, make informed decisions, and create an ethical climate in the organization.