The diversity of work environments, regulations, and prevailing atmospheres uniquely influence individuals' moral intelligence. Given the significant role of operating room nurses in patient care and the importance of moral intelligence in enhancing the quality of these services, this study aimed to elucidate the experiences of operating room nurses regarding moral intelligence at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. A hermeneutic phenomenological study was conducted in hospitals affiliated with Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, from May to October 2023. Twelve operating room nurses were purposefully selected. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed using van Manen's method. The study's rigor was ensured through four criteria: credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability. Three main themes related to moral intelligence were identified by examining the experiences of operating room nurses. These themes include: moral sensitivity (inner guidance, recognizing the rightness or wrongness of actions, having a work ethic), the ability to make sound decisions (ability to make sound judgments, moral courage), and ethical behavior towards patient interests (providing ethical care, preserving patient dignity, ability to work as a team). Operating room nurses with high moral intelligence are sensitive to the rightness or wrongness of actions, guided by inner ideals and professional commitment to doing what is right. They make sound judgments when faced with challenges and defend them courageously, making sound decisions. By providing ethical care, working as a team, and protecting human dignity, they demonstrate ethical behavior towards patient interests.
