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The Relationship between Moral Distress and Professional Commitment in Intensive Care Unit Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study at Iran University of Medical Sciences
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Fatemeh Ghofrani klishmi   |
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Abstract: (14 Views) |
Introduction: ICU nurses are highly susceptible to moral distress—knowing the right action but unable to perform it—due to critical patient exposure and institutional constraints, while professional commitment drives positive nursing behavior
Objective: This study examined the relationship between moral distress and professional commitment among ICU nurses in teaching hospitals affiliated with Iran University of Medical Sciences.
Methods: In this descriptive-correlational study, 200 ICU nurses participated via quota sampling in 2025. Data were collected using a demographic form, the Jafar Aghaei et al. (2019) Professional Commitment Questionnaire, and the Hamric (2012) Moral Distress Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS-26 with independent t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation coefficient.
Results: Participants had a mean age of 35.25±6.54 years. Self-reported moral distress and professional commitment were both at moderate levels, with mean scores of 76.13±38.13 and 95.68±13.26, respectively. No significant correlation was found between the two variables (r=-0.046, p=0.519).
Conclusion: ICU nurses in this study exhibited moderate professional commitment and moral distress. The lack of a direct correlation suggests that mediating variables—such as social support, occupational stress, working conditions, organizational culture, and workplace environment—may modulate this relationship. Specifically, a supportive work environment may empower nurses to maintain their professional commitment despite experiencing moral distress.
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| Keywords: Moral distress, professional commitment, nurse, intensive care unit |
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Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/May/Wed | Accepted: 2026/Jul/Sat | Published: 2025/Jul/Tue
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