Academic Ethical Awareness and Moral Sensitivity of Undergraduate Nursing Students: Assessment and Influencing Factors

Nursing students are exposed to ethically challenging conditions in their future workplaces; hence, they must be ethically knowledgeable and morally sensitive to provide patients with holistic care based on sound ethical decision-making skills. Objectives: This study aimed to assess nursing students’ perception of their academic ethical awareness and moral sensitivity and determine the relationship between these variables. Methods: We conducted a descriptive correlational research study with a convenient sample of nursing students (N = 246) in a Saudi University nursing college. Data were collected using the Academic Ethical Awareness Questionnaire and Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire. We used descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and regression analyses. Results: Nursing students exhibited moderate academic ethical awareness and moral sensitivity. The regression analysis showed that academic ethical awareness can substantially predict 28.8% of the explained moral sensitivity variance (p < 0.001). Nursing students were aware that the violation of patients’ respect or confidentiality and cheating in examinations were unethical behaviors. However, they showed low ethical awareness toward plagiarism behaviors. Furthermore, they reported higher moral sensitivity for patient-oriented care and professional responsibility and did not experience conflict. Academic level and integrated classroom and clinical learning experiences seemed to positively impact students’ academic ethical awareness. Conclusion: The findings provide a basis for monitoring nursing students’ professional misconduct so that they maintain integrity and adhere to academic ethics guidelines. Constant exertions for fostering nursing ethics courses with inspiring learning content and innovative instructional material are vital in improving nursing students’ academic integrity and ethical care.