| Knowledge of nursing students' ethical principles can provide information regarding potential risk for unethical actions and behaviors toward patients. This knowledge will assist students and nurse-educators with the learning and application process of ethics to nursing practice. The purpose of this study was to examine Registered Nursing associate degree students' ethical principles (autonomy, beneficence, fairness, fidelity, justice, nonmaleficence, and veracity) before and after classroom and clinical training. The study also explored nursing students' perceptions of the relationship of these ethical principles to clinical practice. Students' responses were analyzed to identify the association of variables such as age, education, gender, and years of healthcare experience, with the dimensions of nursing ethics.;This mixed methodology study was conducted at one urban public New York City higher education institution and one suburban public higher education institution. The population for the study included 228 entry-level nursing students, enrolled in two separate nursing programs leading to an Associate Degree in Nursing. The assessment tool was a composite questionnaire addressing the seven dimensions related to ethical principles. The survey consisted of 44 Likert Scaled items and two open-ended questions.;The findings indicate that students believe that patients have the right to choose what they feel is best for their health care, and agree that it is their obligation to do what is beneficial for the patient. The participants in this study also believe that patients are entitled to truthful communication from their nurses.;Students expressed that respect for patients' values, beliefs, religion, culture, and lifestyle was a requisite for nursing care. No significant differences emerged related to demographic information; however, the results revealed a weak correlation between prior health care experience and beneficence. There were no significant differences for the two groups based on program location. |
