• Cansu Atmaca Palazoğlu and Zeliha Koç.
• Gümüşhane University, Turkey.
• Nurs Ethics. 2019 May 1; 26 (3): 809-822.

BackgroundRising levels of burnout and decreasing job satisfaction can inhibit healthcare professionals from providing high-quality care due to a corresponding decrease in their ethical sensitivity.AimThis study aimed to determine the relationship between the level of ethical sensitivity in emergency service nurses and their levels of burnout and job satisfaction.Research DesignThis research employed a descriptive and cross-sectional design.Participants And Research ContextThis study was conducted with a sample of 236 nurses, all of whom worked in emergency service between 24 July 2015 and 28 April 2016. Data were collected using the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Minnesota Job Satisfaction Scale.Ethical ConsiderationsThis study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Review Board of Ondokuz Mayıs University.FindingsThere was a weak and negative correlation (r = -0.158, p = 0.015) between Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire and Maslach Burnout Inventory scores. There was also a weak and negative correlation (r = -0.335, p < 0.001) between the Maslach Burnout Inventory and Minnesota Job Satisfaction Scale scores.Discussion And ConclusionDecreased job satisfaction and increased burnout levels among emergency service nurses might result in them indulging in improper practices, frequently facing ethical problems, and a decrease in the overall quality of service in hospitals. In order for emergency service nurses to recognize ethical problems and make the most accurate decisions, a high level of ethical sensitivity is critical. In this respect, it is suggested that continuing education after graduation and training programs should be organized.

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