EMPATHY, PROFESSIONAL VALUE AND PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES OF LIFE AMONG NURSING STUDENTS AT A PUBLIC UNIVERSITY IN SELANGOR

Received 2024-08-07; Accepted 2024-11-29; Published 2025-02-21

Abstract

Work stress and burnout are common among healthcare workers, including nursing students, due to heavy workloads and long-term exposure to patient care. Adaptation of empathy and professional values can affect the quality of life among nursing students. This study aimed to determine the relationship between empathy, nursing professional value, and professional quality of life (ProQOL) among nursing students at a public university in Selangor. A cross-sectional study was done using purposive sampling, and 128 nursing students from UiTM Puncak Alam were recruited to participate in this study. Students completed a self-report online questionnaire that included the Jefferson Scale of Empathy, the Nursing Professional Values Scale, and the Professional Quality of Life Scale. The finding shows that students reported a higher level of nursing professional value, an average level of empathy, and a medium level of ProQOL. A fair, positive correlation exists between empathy and nursing professional value (r = 0.309, p < 0.01). Empathy and professional values are essential for fostering resilience and reducing burnout among nursing students in clinical settings. Self-awareness and a firm grasp of these values help mitigate compassion fatigue and negative workplace patterns, promoting emotional well-being and high-quality care.