Concept Analysis of Ethical Fading in Nursing: Walker and Avant Approach

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Professor of Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

2 Associate Professor of Nursing, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

3 Ph.D student in nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

10.22038/nnj.2025.86753.1480

Abstract

Background and Aims: Ethical fading is an unconscious and challenging phenomenon in nursing. However, the concept of ethical fading in nursing is not well defined. Therefore, this study attempts to provide a clear and transparent definition of this concept by analyzing it.
Materials and Methods: The concept analysis of ethical fading was conducted based on Walker and Avant's model (2019) in eight steps by searching and analyzing studies from reputable databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. The keywords "Ethical fading," "Self-Deception," "Moral sensitivity," "Nursing," and "Nurse" were used without any time limit until January 25, 2025. Finally, 6 articles related to the concept were analyzed.
Results: The literature review revealed that ethical fading is a complex and significant issue, referring to a situation in which individuals overlook the ethical dimensions of a decision or action, or lose awareness of the ethical consequences due to the influence of various factors. This phenomenon can have significant negative consequences at various levels. In fact, there is no doubt that ethical fading, in addition to normalizing unethical behavior, has numerous consequences, including damage to an individual's reputation and various legal repercussions.
Conclusion: The present study identified various dimensions of the concept of ethical fading. Future studies can use the results of this study to create tools as well as design effective interventions to reduce its occurrence.

Keywords

References

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Navid No
Volume 28, Issue 95
November 2025
Pages 102-118

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