Abstract

Introduction:Taking responsibility is considered an important element in providing quality nursing care. Social responsibility among nurses has also led to more comprehensive care being provided to patients; thus, patients’ attitudes toward nursing care within hospitals have changed. For this reason, the present study aimed to determine the levels of social responsibility among nurses in the city of Ilam, Iran. Materials and methods: The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among a group of nurses employed in public hospitals in the city of Ilam. Data collection instruments included a demographic characteristics questionnaire for nurses (gender, age, level of education, etc.) and the Persian version of the 35-item Questionnaire on Social Responsibility associated with measuring social responsibility among nurses. The questionnaire comprised four dimensions, including a legal component (seven items), an economic component (seven items), an ethical component (nine items), and a philanthropic component (12 items). Data were analyzed using the SPSS Software Version 16, as well as descriptive statistics. Results: Findings of this study showed that social responsibility among nurses in the city of Ilam was at a high level, with mean and standard deviation scores equaling 133.42 (5.17). The statements reflecting the highest levels (the largest number and percentage) of social responsibility among nurses included “Meeting patient satisfaction is very important to me,” with 143 (95.3) Totally Agree responses; “I really believe in the statement that patients have rights to receive appropriate nursing services” with 142 (94.7) Totally Agree responses; “If a shopkeeper gives extra money to me, I will give it back,” with 143 (95.3) Totally Agree responses; “I am glad that I am able to solve one problem out of others’ problems,” with 142 (94.7) Totally Agree answers; “I am bound to help poor people,” with 143 (95.3) Totally Agree responses; “Helping others is kind of worshipping and it pleases God,” with 147 (98) Totally Agree answers; and “Supporting paralyzed and disabled people is a public duty,” with 140 (93.3) Totally Agree responses. Conclusion: Furthermore, based on the study’s findings, social responsibility among nurses in Ilam was at high levels in all dimensions; therefore, nurse administrators are required to take the necessary measures to maintain and promote it. © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.