Professional Ethics in Nursing and Burnout Syndrome: An Evidence-Based Review of Moral Distress, Work Environment, and Organizational Responsibility

Professional ethics is a foundational pillar of nursing practice and plays a critical role in shaping nurses’ professional identity, quality of care, and well-being. In recent years, increasing attention has been directed toward the relationship between ethical practice and burnout among nurses, particularly in the context of high workload, moral distress, and organizational constraints. Burnout syndrome, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment, has become a global concern within healthcare systems.This narrative review explores the relationship between professional ethics in nursing and burnout syndrome, with a focus on moral distress, ethical climate, and organizational factors. A comprehensive review of international literature was conducted using databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL. The findings suggest that ethically challenging work environments, lack of ethical support, and conflicts between professional values and institutional demands significantly contribute to nurse burnout. Conversely, strong ethical frameworks, supportive leadership, and ethical competence are associated with reduced burnout and improved job satisfaction. Addressing ethical dimensions of nursing practice is essential for promoting nurse well-being, sustaining the workforce, and ensuring high-quality patient care.

کلیدواژه ها:

Nursing Ethics ، Burnout Syndrome ، Moral Distress ، Ethical Climate ، Professional Practice ، Nurse Well-Being.