The Comparison of Moral Resilience in Nursing Students and Clinical Nurses in Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background.Moral resilience is an active, intentional process of realignment following moral distress. It is an essential ability for nurses and nursing students to navigate moral challenges effectively while preserving their psychological well-being and professional integrity. This study aimed to investigate and compare the levels of moral resilience between nursing students and clinical nurses. Methods.This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at SirjanSchool of Medical Sciences. A total of 204 participants (104 students and 100 nurses) were selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Rushton Moral Resilience Scale (RMRS-16). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS (version 26).Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis.Results.Nurses demonstrated significantly higher scores than students in overall moral resilience (p<0.05), as well as in the subscales of moral efficacy (p < 0.001) and relational integrity (resilience (p< 0.05). No significant differences were observed in subscales of personal integrity and response to moral adversity(p>0.05). Regression analysis showed that demographic variables such as age and marital status did not predict moral resilience. However, among nurses, male participants scored significantly higher than females in total moral resilience and selected subscales (p< 0.05).Conclusion.The findings suggest that nursing students exhibit significantly lower levels of moral resilience compared to clinical nurses.Clinical experience and institutional support may play a critical role in developing moral resilience. Integrating structured mentorship and moral training into nursing education may enhance students’ moral resilience and prepare them for real-world moral challenges.