A Qualitative Study on Neonatal Ethics from the Perspective of Student Nurses

This study aimed to investigate the ethical dilemmas encountered by nursing students in neonatal care and to examine their perceptions and experiences related to these situations. The study was conducted with nursing students who had completed their clinical practice in neonatal intensive care units. Nursing students shared their demographic characteristics and experiences with ethical challenges encountered during their practice. Data were collected using a Demographic Data Form and a Semi-Structured Interview Form. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using content analysis with the support of the MAXQDA program. Nursing students identified ethical dilemmas in neonatal care related to newborns' inability to express themselves, difficulties in making life support decisions, challenges in communicating with families, and limited health resources. Although students were sensitive to ethical issues, their limited authority and lack of professional experience prevented them from actively participating in ethical decision-making processes. However, supportive factors such as ethical knowledge, empathy, communication, and team consultation have positively influenced students' ethical development. The findings emphasize that nursing students need support in the ethical decision-making process not only through theoretical knowledge but also through the development of emotional awareness, communication skills, and professional guidance. Multifaceted factors such as the infant's medical condition, the cultural and socioeconomic structure of the families, and the ethical approach of the healthcare team are decisive in shaping ethical decisions. Given the multidimensional nature of ethical dilemmas, developing ethical awareness at all levels of the healthcare system is essential for effective and compassionate neonatal care.