The relationship between the application of the nursing ethical code and nurses' work satisfaction

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Professional Ethics

Background:

• Work satisfaction significantly impacts nurses' quality of care.
• Adherence to professional training principles, like the nursing ethical code, is crucial for job satisfaction.
• Workplace stressors may impede nurses' ability to consistently follow ethical guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between the nursing ethical code, work satisfaction, and role conflict.
• To examine the mediating effect of role conflict on the association between the ethical gap and work satisfaction.
• To explore the influence of demographic variables on nurses' ethical adherence and job satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• A structured questionnaire was administered to nurses in a large Israeli hospital.
• The study focused on nurses' perceptions of applying ethical principles, specifically concerning client privacy.
• Data were analyzed to assess correlations and mediating effects.

Main Results:

• The 'ethical gap' (discrepancy between perceived ethical requirements and application) did not directly correlate with work satisfaction.
• Role conflict was identified as a mediator, influencing work satisfaction based on the ethical gap.
• Demographic factors such as age, tenure, and number of children may also play a role.

Conclusions:

• Professionalization, as embodied by the ethical code, must be actively integrated into daily nursing practice.
• Addressing the ethical gap and mitigating role conflict are key to improving nurses' work satisfaction.
• Healthcare organizations should support nurses in applying ethical principles consistently to enhance both job satisfaction and care quality.