Dignity and respect for nurses with different levels of experience from physicians, colleagues, patients and their family members

Background and Experience and clinical competence are the important factors affecting the level of dignity and respect for nurses. This study aimed to evaluate the observance rate of respect for nurses from physicians, colleagues, patients and their family members. This study was conducted on 200 nurses selected by census sampling from hospitals of Sanandaj, Kurdistan, Iran in 2014. Data collection was performed using self-report questionnaires with 15 questions on different variables, such as respect, communication, capability and independence. Validity and reliability of the questionnaires was determined by subjects and expert comments, and using Spearman’s correlation coefficient (r=0.80). Data analysis was performed using SPSS V.20. Significant differences were observed between the viewpoints of experienced and inexperienced nurses regarding independence, self-confidence for consultation with physicians (P<0.04), communication with physicians (P<0.03), capability and sufficient skills (P<0.04), respect by physicians (P<0.04), and physicians’ and colleagues’ trust (P<0., P<0.003) in their capabilities. However, no statistically significant difference was observed in the comparison of the observance rate for dignity from patients and their family members in the viewpoint of the subjects. The highest levels of violation to the dignity of nurses came from physicians, while the lowest level was from patients and their family members. This study could be used for the promotion of dignity and respect among the nursing community.