Impact of nursing students' moral sensitivity on their levels of professional attitude

Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the impact of the moral sensitivity of nursing students on their levels of professional attitudes. Materials and Methods: The descriptive research sample comprised 528 voluntary students studying in their 1st, 2nd , 3rd or 4tH year during the 2016-2017 academic years at a university, department of nursing in Ankara. The research data was collected using the Descriptor Characteristics Form, Professional Attitudes Scale for Nursing Students and Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire. Results: The point averages of the students were 3.98 +/- 0.54 (1-5) for the Professional Attitude Scale and 2.76 +/- 0.71 (1-5) for the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire. It was determined that the students' choose nursing on their own initiative in the first place and females' professional attitudes and moral sensitivity were found higher. As the students' year of study increased, moral sensitivities decreased despite the increase of professionalism. It has been determined that the students' moral sensitivity to autonomy, benefit and the holistic approach increase their professional attitudes. Conclusion: The professional attitudes of the students were determined to be above the average, and it was further determined that the students had an average level of moral sensitivity, and that moral sensitivity had an impact on the levels of professional attitude. Consequently, it is very important to establish a perception of professionalism and moral sensitivity during the early years of a nursing student's education.