Modeling the ethical behavior of nurses using the theory of virtue ethics

The purpose of this research was to explore the components of nurses’ ethical conduct in public hospitals in Mashhad. This study employed an eclectic method for research and followed a mixed exploratory design. A qualitative study was first performed، and then based on the results the quantitative method was applied. The statistical population consisted of all the nurses in public hospitals in the city of Mashhad. In order to collect data، in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted، and the data were then analyzed using thematic content analysis. A preliminary model was developed for the nurses'' ethical conduct comprising three levels. The first level covered areas of ethical behavior toward patients، patients’ families and the core group. At the second level 13 dimensions and at the third، 51 components (themes) were abstracted. The questionnaire was then distributed among 176 experienced nurses employed in public hospitals in Mashhad. In order to assess the fit of the model in quantitative research، data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and AMOS software. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis showed that all dimensions and components were acceptable with the exception of the component «patient education». Using AMOS software، the comparative fit index (CFI) was calculated at 0. 9، which indicates a good fit of the model and validates the components and sub-components. The results of this study can guide human resource managers in public hospitals to promote ethical conduct in nurses.