Understanding the relationship between professional values and caring behavior among nurses in intensive care units: a cross-sectional study from Palestine

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the level of commitment of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses in Palestine to professional values, investigate the relationship between professional values and caring behavior, and determine the effect of sociodemographic characteristics on these constructs.

Design A descriptive cross-sectional study was utilized.

Setting and participants The study was conducted between July 10 and September 15, 2024, among 205 ICU nurses working in hospitals across Palestine.

Methods Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire that included the Nursing Professional Values Scale-3 (NPVS-3) and the Caring Behaviors Assessment Tool Nursing Version-Short Form (CBAN-SF).

Results The overall mean score for commitment to professional values across all seven domains among nurses was 104.1 ± 16.6, with the highest mean score was related to the domain of “Caring”. The mean score of caring behavior was 98.5 ± 12.9, and the “supportive/protective/corrective environment” domain had the highest score. Pearson correlation analysis indicated a moderate positive relationship (r = 0.40, p = 0.038) between professional values and caring behavior, with significant correlations between the subscales of both constructs (p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that professional values, work experience in nursing, and work experience in ICUs were significant predictors of caring behavior (p < 0.01).

Conclusion ICU nurses in Palestine demonstrated a high commitment to professional values, which was positively associated with their caring behaviors.

Implications These findings highlight the importance of fostering professional values in ICU nurses to improve the quality of patient care in critical care units.