The relationship between dignified care, conscience, and ethical sensitivity among intensive care nurses

Aim: In this study, the aim was to investigate the relationship between dignified care, perception of conscience, and ethical sensitivity among intensive care nurses. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was performed from November 2025 to March 2026 in the intensive care units of İnönü University Turgut Özal Medical Center. The whole population was intended to be reached in this study. A total of 213 intensive care nurses constituted the sample size. The data were collected by the Nurse Information Form, Dignified Care Scale, Perceptions of Conscience Questionnaire and Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out using SPSS 26 software with appropriate analyses, and p<0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Findings: Mean age of the nurses (n=213) participating in this study was found to be 29.62 years, out of which 52.1% were females, 62,0% single, 87,3% bachelor's degree holder, 46,0% had 1-2 years of work experience in the intensive care unit and 81,2% working in the shift work (day and night). Mean total scores of the nurses were found to be 71,19±7,552 for the Dignified Care Scale, 62.18±10.213 for the Perceptions of Conscience Scale and 95,33±21,121 for the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire. It is also shown from regression analyses that with increasing scores of dignified care, there is a significant increase in perceptions of conscience and ethical sensitivity (p<0,05). Conclusion: It has been concluded from this study that concepts of dignified care, perceptions of conscience and ethical sensitivity, which form the essence of nursing professionalism, are inter-related. Based on these results it has been recommended that the results of this study may serve as guidelines for healthcare professionals regarding the concept of dignified care, conscience perception and ethical sensitivity as well as regarding the awareness of these concepts in healthcare delivery. Keywords: Ethical sensitivity, Nurse, Dignified care, Perception of conscience, Intensive care.