Clarifying the concept of conscience in nurses' ethical performance in Iran: a concept analysis study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Ethics
• Healthcare Professionalism

Background:

• The concept of conscience in nursing lacks clear functional definition and impact on performance.
• Ethical practice is central to nursing, necessitating a deeper understanding of influencing factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the concept of conscience within the context of Iranian nurses' ethical performance.
• To develop a comprehensive understanding of conscience's role in nursing.

Main Methods:

• Hybrid methodology combining theoretical and fieldwork stages.
• Systematic review of English and Persian literature up to 2020.
• Semi-structured in-depth interviews with Iranian nurses.

Main Results:

• Theoretical phase: Conscience identified as context-dependent, an inner voice, and a moral criterion.
• Fieldwork phase: Key themes emerged as perception, commands, and obedience to conscience.
• Integrated findings define conscience as an inner feeling crucial for ethical nursing care.

Conclusions:

• Conscience is an integral component of ethical nursing practice.
• Understanding conscience enhances nurses' ability to provide ethically sound care.
• This research provides a refined conceptualization of conscience for nursing.