Investigate the state of critical thinking and its impact on moral courage and moral sensitivity; evidence from nurses' perspective.

Background: Critical thinking, moral courage, and moral sensitivity are among the topics that are widely considered today in response to turbulent and complex environments in organizations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the state of critical thinking and its effect on moral courage and moral sensitivity in nurses working in hospitals under Jiroft University of Medical Sciences in southern Iran in 2024.

Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 385 nurses. The data collection tools were standard questionnaires of critical thinking, moral courage and moral sensitivity. Data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression using SPSS23 software.

Results: The average scores of critical thinking, moral courage, and moral sensitivity of the studied nurses were 188.16 ± 8.22 out of 450, 62.32 ± 7.45 out of 105, and 71.55 ± 6.39 out of 100, respectively, indicating the weak level of critical thinking and the average level of moral courage and moral sensitivity of nurses. Between moral courage (p < 0.001, r = 0.574) and moral sensitivity (p < 0.001, r = 0.611) with critical thinking, a statistically significant correlation was observed in the direct direction. Based on the results of multiple linear regression, the components of critical thinking, which include truth-seeking, inquisitiveness, analyticity, systematicity, self-confidence, cognitive maturity, and open-mindedness, respectively, were identified as predictors of moral sensitivity and moral courage (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: The critical thinking of the examined nurses was estimated at a weak level, and moral courage and moral sensitivity were estimated at a moderate level. Based on the results, there is a possibility that by improving critical thinking, the state of moral courage and moral sensitivity of nurses will improve. Therefore, it is suggested that the hospital managers provide an opportunity to improve the critical thinking status of nurses by holding related courses and workshops, so that by this means, we can witness the growth and improvement of their courage and moral sensitivity.