Professional Autonomy and Perceived Organizational Support as Predictors of Adherence to Ethical Codes Among...

Identifying the factors influencing emergency nurses' adherence to ethical codes is a crucial strategy for enhancing compliance with these standards. This study aimed to examine the determinants affecting emergency nurses' adherence to ethical codes.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 291 nurses working in emergency departments in Iran. Data were collected using the nurses' professional autonomy questionnaire, the perceived organizational support questionnaire, and the adherence to ethical codes questionnaire. Approval for the study was obtained from the ethics committee at the school of nursing. Privacy and confidentiality of the data were ensured, and an informed consent was obtained from all participants before data collection.

The mean scores for adherence to ethical codes, professional autonomy, and perceived organizational support were 53.45 ± 5.62 (above moderate levels), 115.99 ± 10.17 (above moderate levels), and 7.78 ± 5.31 (at weak levels), respectively. Professional autonomy (P<.001) demonstrated a significant positive impact on adherence to ethical codes but perceived organizational supports' predictive role was borderline (P = .06). In addition, the variables of sex (female) (P<.05) and previous experience in ethics workshops (P<.002) had a significant positive effect on adherence to ethical codes.

Professional autonomy, sex, and experience in ethics workshops were identified as positive predictors of emergency nurses' adherence to ethical codes. These findings can serve as a guide for nursing managers and policy makers in creating an environment conducive to the implementation of ethical principles in clinical practice. In particular, they highlight the importance of empowerment programs and support strategies aimed at enhancing nurses' professional autonomy and decision making, particularly in emergency department settings.