Is there a relationship between moral competencies and the formation of professional identity among nursing students?

Abstract

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.

Moral reasoning as a catalyst for cultural competence and culturally responsive care

“…Nurse education plays a crucial role in influencing conceptualizations of cultural competence and nurturing the capacity to distinguish between right and wrong, when caring for culturally diverse patients. Strengthening professional values in curricula (Haghighat et al, 2020) and providing opportunities to critically reflect on personal values and behaviours (Enderle et al, 2018) can support the moral reasoning development required during cross‐cultural encounters. However, nurturing positive learning environments is paramount, where students are allowed to make mistakes in a safe environment but learn from them, as a means of developing their moral reasoning abilities.…”

Community Engagement Leads to Professional Identity Formation of Nursing Students

“…Professional identity formation through reflective practice and intentional inquiry is important for nursing students (Haghighat, Borhani, & Ranjbar, 2020). Students, in a short period of their nursing education, were able to attend a nationally recognized conference, present their learning to the community through two avenues (i.e., video and poster presentation) and were mentored by a faculty member throughout this process.…”

“…Mentoring the two students allowed deeper engagement that happens beyond the classroom to help students gain confidence in their abilities as future nurses. The mindful development of professional nursing values, values that are morally and ethically in accordance with safe nursing practice is hopeful (Haghighat et al, 2020). Being a moral, ethical, and safe nurse is a strong contribution to their community as healthcare providers.…”

“…Maranon and Pera (2015) described that the contrast between didactic and clinical learning may play a role in the ambiguity that initiates nursing students about professional identity. There is a gap in the current research literature and has been underexplored with no intentional plan to address new areas (Godfrey, 2020;Haghighat, Borhani, & Ranjbar, 2020). The goal of professional identity formation is to develop well-rounded students with moral competencies who will blossom into future nursing leaders (Haghighat et al, 2020).…”

“…There is a gap in the current research literature and has been underexplored with no intentional plan to address new areas (Godfrey, 2020;Haghighat, Borhani, & Ranjbar, 2020). The goal of professional identity formation is to develop well-rounded students with moral competencies who will blossom into future nursing leaders (Haghighat et al, 2020). The benefit to the community of producing well-rounded nursing students is safety and quality in their actions.…”