Nurse Managers' Moral Self Concept and Ethical Sensitivity

Abstract

PURPOSE: This descriptive study was designed to find out the relationship between moral self concept and ethical sensitivity of nurse managers. METHODS: Study data were collected from Aug 6, 2001 to Aug 24, 2001. Study subjects were 283 nurse managers working in university hospitals. Moral self concept was measured with questionnaire developed by Chung (1965) and ethical sensitivity was measured with the questionnaire developed by the researchers. RESULTS: 1. The score for degree of nurse managers' moral self concept was shown to be an average of 3.06 out of 4.00, which is relatively high. The score for degree of nurse managers' ethical sensitivity was shown to be an average of 2.84 out of 4.00 2. Analysis of correlation between moral self concept and ethical sensitivity showed a statistically significant positive correlation (r= .34, p=.00). 3. In general characteristics, a variable that caused significant difference in moral self concept was the total period of experience as a nurse (F=3.52, p=.02). A variable that caused significant difference in ethical sensitivity was the current working department (F=3.91, p=.01). 4. Nurse administrator's moral self concept was significantly related to ethical sensitivity (r= .34, p= .00). CONCLUSION: It is important to intensify individual moral self concept in order to improve ethical sensitivity of nurse managers. Also, it is recommended that investigate variables affected moral self concept and develop a nursing education program to promote moral self concept in nurse administrators.