Professional responsibility and its related factors among bachelor degree nursing students in Iran: A cross-sectional study

Background: Professional responsibility is important for bachelor degree nursing students, but it has not been measured specifically among these students and findings of the studies on its related factors are inconsistent. This study aimed to determine the level of professional responsibility and its related factors among bachelor degree nursing students in selected public nursing schools in Iran. Materials and Methods: For this cross-sectional study, 388 bachelor degree nursing students from 8 selected public nursing schools in Iran were selected through convenience sampling (2018-2019). The participants completed the demographic questionnaire and Responsibility among Bachelor Degree Nursing Students Scale (RABDNSS). This valid and reliable scale consists of 45 items that determine professional responsibility and its 5 subscales. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential methods in SPSS software. Results: The mean (SD) total score of professional responsibility was 175.26 (23.58), indicating a high level of responsibility. The highest and lowest mean (SD) scores were obtained in the subscales of situational self-mandatory 4.20 (0.52) and positive professional attitude 3.71 (0.82), respectively. Students' educational grade average and level of interest in nursing were significantly correlated with professional responsibility and its subscales (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The relationship of students' interest in nursing and students' educational grade average with professional responsibility can be useful for planning admission policies and evaluating and promoting professional responsibility related behaviors among nursing students. However, further research in these areas is recommended.