Ethical sensitivity and perceived clinical decision-making competence among nursing students: A descriptive and correlational study

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to examine the relationship between ethical sensitivity and perceived clinical decision-making competence among nursing students.

Background: Demonstrating ethical sensitivity in the perceived clinical decision-making competence is important for nursing students. During the pre-graduation period, students are expected to develop competence in making decisions based on ethical principles in clinical practice.

Design: This study employed a descriptive and correlational design.

Methods: Data were collected using self-reported online questionnaire. The study included 256 nursing students. Data were collected using the "Sociodemographic Questionnaire," the "Ethical Sensitivity Scale Adapted for Nursing Students," and the "Clinical Decision-Making in Nursing Scale."

Results: The mean total score for ethical sensitivity was 147.30 ± 15.34 (scale range: 30-210) and the mean total score for perceived clinical decision-making competence was 134.06 ± 29.44 (scale range: 40-200). A moderate positive correlation was found between ethical sensitivity and perceived clinical decision-making competence among nursing students (r = 0.399, p < .001). Furthermore, simple linear regression analysis revealed that students' level of ethical sensitivity significantly predicted their perceived clinical decision-making competence (F = 15.860, p < .001).

Conclusions: Nursing students' ethical sensitivity and perceived clinical decision-making competence scores were above the midpoints of their respective scales, suggesting a relatively high level of ethical sensitivity and moderate-to-high perceived clinical decision-making competence. These findings indicate that higher ethical sensitivity positively influences nursing students' perceived clinical decision-making competence.

Keywords: Decision-making; Ethical sensitivity; Nursing education; Nursing student; Practice.