Investıgatıon of The Relatıon Between Moral Sensıtıvıty of Nursıng Students and Occupatıonal Self- Esteem

Background: Occupational self-esteem is critical for achieving professional identity in the nursing profession, where human well-being is a central principle. Occupational self-esteem is also directly related to moral sensitivity. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between occupational self-esteem and moral sensitivity among nursing students. Methods: In this descriptive, correlational study, an introductory qualification data form, the Modified Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire for Student Nurses, and the Occupational Self-Esteem Scale were used. The sample comprised second-, third-, and fourth-year nursing students (n=171) from a foundation university in Istanbul, Turkey. The study included 161 nursing students who agreed to participate. Results: The students' average total moral sensitivity score was 5.03±0.58. Significant variation (p=.001) between the genders was observed in the mean scores from the Expertise Knowledge Enrollment subscale, as well as among nurses in their communication of distress with friends (p=.034), and in the Interpersonal Orientation subscale among those who voluntarily chose nursing as their field of study (p=.033). The mean total occupational self-esteem score was 116.27±17.72. Significant variation was observed among the scores related to class level (p=.004), taking ethics courses (p=.002), choosing the nursing department voluntarily (p=.001), satisfaction with being a nursing student (p=.001), encountering ethical dilemmas (p=.013), and having knowledge about occupational self-concept (p=.002). A statistically significant but weakly positive correlation (r=.18; p=.021) was found between occupational self-esteem and moral sensitivity. Conclusion: There was a weak but positive relationship between occupational self-esteem and moral sensitivity among nursing students. Therefore, integrating the concepts of occupational self-esteem and ethical values is necessary to achieve occupational autonomy in nursing education.