This study is a descriptive correlational study designed to examine
the effects of communication competence and moral sensitivity on
advocacy nursing among intensive care unit nurses.
Data were collected from October 2 to October 12, 2025, through ...
This study is a descriptive correlational study designed to examine
the effects of communication competence and moral sensitivity on
advocacy nursing among intensive care unit nurses.
Data were collected from October 2 to October 12, 2025, through a
survey of 132 ICU nurses who had worked for more than six months
at university hospitals with 500 or more beds located in D City. The
collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test,
ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression
analysis with the SPSS/WIN 30.0 program.
The results of this study are summarized as follows: The advocacy
nursing score of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses was 3.61±0.41 out - 81 -
of 5. Significant differences in advocacy nursing were found
according to age (F=4.34, p=.015), total clinical experience (F=3.62,
p=.015), and work experience in the current ICU department
(F=4.58, p=.004). Advocacy nursing demonstrated significant
positive correlations with communication competence (r=.23,
p=.008) and moral sensitivity (r=.44, p<.001), indicating that higher
levels of communication competence and moral sensitivity were
associated with higher levels of advocacy nursing.
Factors influencing advocacy nursing included moral sensitivity
(β=.47, p<.001), communication competence (β=.16, p=.037), and
work experience in the current department (β=.25, p=.037),
collectively explaining 27.8% of the variance in advocacy nursing.
These findings confirm that communication competence and moral
sensitivity are important predictors of advocacy nursing among ICU
nurses. Therefore, to strengthen advocacy nursing competency, it is
essential to maintain and enhance moral sensitivity, support nurses’
adaptation within their unit, and improve effective communication
competence. Developing and implementing tailored education
programs—reflecting real clinical situations—to strengthen ethical
awareness and communication skills is recommended.
Keywords: Communication Competence, Moral Sensitivity, Advocacy
Nursing, Intensive care nuit nurses