The Relationship between Professional Values and Satisfaction among Nursing Students: a Descriptive Correlational Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

10.22038/fmej.2025.92067.1710

Abstract

Background: Nurses' professional values are instilled during nursing education and are reinforced throughout their professional careers. Both professional values and student satisfaction are crucial indicators of the quality of nursing education. This study aimed to examine the relationship between professional values and satisfaction among nursing students.
Method: This descriptive correlational study was conducted from January 2019 to October 2020. A total of 280 final-semester undergraduate nursing students enrolled at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, were selected through convenience sampling. Participants completed a demographic form, a Professional Values Scale, and Nursing Student Satisfaction Scale (NSSS). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 and statistical tests including Spearman’s correlation coefficient, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests.
Results: The total mean score of nursing students' professional values was 103.75 ± 15.83 which was at a high level. The total mean score of nursing student satisfaction was 104.43 ± 27.30 which was at a moderate level. Spearman’s correlation test revealed a significant positive correlation between professional values— and their dimensions including care, activism, trust, professionalism, and justice—and nursing student satisfaction (p < 0.05). Low interest in nursing and unwillingness to work as a nurse after graduation were found to negatively affect professional values and student satisfaction (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: There was a significant positive relationship between professional values and nursing student satisfaction. Therefore, fostering professional values and enhancing student satisfaction during nursing education may contribute to the development of professional values.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Future of Medical Education Journal
Volume 15, Issue 4
November 2025
Pages 46-53

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