Table 2 Factor structure and factor loading of each item based on a varimax rotation

Professional performance

16. I am careful not to hurt my patients while taking care of them.

14. I respect my patients and their beliefs when I am giving nursing care.

12. When I am taking any clinical interventions, I respect the privacy of my patients.

15. I take care of my patients regardless of their economic, social, religious, and cultural status.

9. I take care of my patients according to medical principles.

30. I take the necessary measures to maintain my patients’ safety.

5. By giving professional care, I earn my patients’ confidence

13. I am careful to keep my patients’ information confidential.

23. My inner voice compels me to do my job well.

Continuous follow-up

37. During my work shift, according to the conditions of my patients, I monitor them frequently by being present at their bedside.

36. I follow my patients’ care plans.

38. I report my patients’ complaints to the authorities.

35. I inform my patients and their family members about care and treatment

33. I encourage family members to emotionally support their patients.

32. I refer the patients in financial difficulties to a social worker or social support institution.

Patient-centered performance

27. If my patients need it, I will devote some of my time, in addition to the routine visits, to their family members

10. Upon observing my patients’ conditions, I can identify their problems and take the necessary measures

11. I conduct nursing care planning (nursing diagnosis and prioritization of problems) on a regular basis.

18. My patients are entitled to accept or refuse treatment and care interventions.

29. I care about my patients’ spiritual needs.

26. I monitor the quality of my care daily.

17. I respect my patients’ independence.

Empathic communication

3. To identify and solve my patients’ problems, I establish a sincere relationship with them within the cultural and religious framework.

1. I provide care to my patients open-mindedly.

2. When I am providing care, I empathize with my patients and their companions.

4. By acting and speaking honestly, I try to win the confidence of my patients.

7. I use my verbal communication skills (simple and clear speech and feedback) during care.

8. Within the cultural and religious framework, I use non-verbal communication methods (e.g. eye contact and touch).