Abstract: Objective To understand the current situation of moral sensitivity and empathy ability of intern nursing students,and analyze the relationship between them and the influencing factors of intern nursing students' moral sensitivity. Methods A total of 216 intern nursing students were selected from a grade-A tertiary hospital in Henan Province from January to February 2024 by convenience sampling method. General data questionnaire,moral sensitivity scale and Jefferson empathy scale（nursing student version） were used for questionnaire investigation,and the data were analyzed. Results The total score of moral sensitivity of 216 intern nursing students was（49.37±6.40）points,which was at an above average level,and the total score of empathy ability was （106.10±15.37）points. Uni-variate analysis showed that age,gender,educational background,whether receiving medical ethics education or training,and monthly night shift during practice were the influencing factors of moral sensitivity of intern nursing students（all P< 0.05）. Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between moral sensitivity and empathy ability of intern nursing students（r=0.454,P<0.01）. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that gender,education background,whether receiving medical ethics education or training and empathy ability were independent factors affecting the moral sensitivity of intern nursing students. Conclusion The moral sensitivity of intern nursing students is at a high level,and the higher their empathic ability,the better their moral sensitivity. Nursing educators should focus on cultivating the empathy ability of intern nursing students,so as to enhance their moral sensitivity and promote their career development.

Key words: Intern nursing students, Moral sensitivity, Empathic ability, Influencing factors