TEACHING NURSING ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Nursing ethics and professional conduct are foundational components of quality healthcare delivery. Teaching these principles effectively ensures that nursing professionals uphold human dignity, patient rights, and standards of clinical practice. This article explores theoretical foundations and pedagogical approaches to nursing ethics education, including its role in shaping professional identity, moral sensitivity, ethical decision-making, and patient-centered care. Drawing on research from Uzbek, CIS, and international scholars, the article synthesizes key theories, models, curricular strategies, and outcomes of ethics education in nursing. It discusses barriers to effective teaching, the role of clinical practice, and the integration of cultural competence. Using a systematic literature review method, the study evaluates recent developments (2010–2025) in ethics pedagogy for nurses. Findings suggest that ethics education enhances moral reasoning, professional accountability, and patient advocacy. The article concludes with recommendations for curriculum design, faculty development, and institutional support to strengthen ethical competence in nursing education.