Moral sensitivity in nursing practice.

This study reports results of an inquiry into ethical decision making in nursing, focusing on moral sensitivity. The Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire (MSQ), an instrument constructed to measure moral sensitivity in nursing practice was used. The main dimensions of this questionnaire are; interpersonal orientation, structuring moral meaning, benevolence, modifying autonomy, experiencing moral conflict, and trust in medical knowledge and principles of care. The questionnaires were distributed to a total of 419 nurses and completed by 145 nurses employed in psychiatric settings and 150 nurses employed in medical-surgical nursing areas. The results show significant differences in the two groups and differences concerning age, length of experience and previous education as mental health care workers.