Nurses' experience regarding professional ethics in Iran: a qualitative study

Context: Professional ethics are less understood in the literature and refer to the complex decision-making processes made by nurses as they deliver care. Aims: This study aimed to add new information to the growing body of evidence around professional ethics and explore the experiences of Iranian nurses who work in the hospital setting. Setting and Design: This is a qualitative study that was carried out from January 2017 to August 2017, utilizing conventional content analysis. Materials and Methods: In this qualitative study, data were collected using semi-structured interviews. Twenty-eight participants with various occupational backgrounds and positions were interviewed. All participants work in educational hospitals in the North West of Iran. Data were analyzed using the conventional content analysis. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical methods were not used in this study. Results: One overarching category and three sub-categories emerged during data analysis. The overarching category was 'the road to professional ethics,' which was supported by the following sub-categories: ethical development, spirituality and values development, and promoting ethical competencies. Conclusions: Professional ethics are difficult to separate, which may be why it is less understood in the empirical literature. Multiple factors contribute professional ethics, and these ethical principles motivate nurses to provide safe care. Professional ethics in nurses' performance can help managers in the recruitment and ongoing supervision of nurses to improve their professional performance.