Ethical competence in nursing : A theoretical definition

Abstract

Background: Ethical competence in nursing is essential. However, a theoretical definition of ethical competence in nursing and the critical components of ethical competence appear to be absent, resulting in a lack of convergence on the core content to be taught on ethical competence in nursing education. Aim and research questions: This study aimed to answer the following questions: What are the essential components of ethical competence in nursing? What is their definition in terms of nursing? What is the theoretical definition of ethical competence in nursing? Method: Walker and Avant’s concept synthesis. Results: Ethical competence in nursing consists of 12 essential components, defined and grouped into three main themes: (1) Ethical knowledge and understanding; having knowledge and understanding of the main theories of theoretical and practical ethics and the principal codes of ethics in nursing; (2) Personal ethical qualities; having ethical awareness and ethical self-awareness, ethical sensitivity, ethical perception, and ethical judgement. (3) Ethical ability and courage to perform; capable of moral reasoning, ethical reflection, and ethical decision-making, having moral courage and demonstrating ethical action and behaviour. The theoretical definition is thus: Nurses considered ethically competent have knowledge and understanding of the main ethical principles in nursing and possess personal ethical qualities, that is, ethical self-awareness, ethical awareness, ethical sensitivity, ethical perception, and ethical judgment as well as having the ethical ability and the courage to perform ethically, that is, capable of moral reasoning, ethical reflection, ethical decision-making, having moral courage, they demonstrate ethical action, and ethically responsible conduct. Conclusions: This study is essential to nursing as a discipline and profession. The findings provide a theoretical definition of ethical competence in nursing and the qualities characterising ethically competent nurses, which can be of great value in clinical practice, nursing education, leadership, and nursing research and theory development.