Background: Altruism has historically shaped the ethos of nursing. However, the COVID-19 pandemic reignited nurses' profound commitment to patient care, often at significant personal risk to own health and safety. This renewed dedication has prompted interest in whether altruism remains a vital component of nursing practice.
Objective: To clarify the meaning of professional altruism in nursing care.
Design: Catherine Norris's five-step concept clarification method was employed.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted in November 2024 across the CINAHL, PubMed, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO databases using the terms altruism, altruistic, and altruistic behavior/behaviour in combination with nurses, nursing, and nursing care, resulting in the inclusion of 24 articles.
Results: Systemised descriptions of professional altruism yielded five categories: a willingness to act for others, a moral orientation, a motivational force, an unwavering professional expectation, and a valued, yet challenged and sometimes rejected phenomenon. Additionally, an operational definition of professional altruism in nursing care emerged: Professional altruism is a moral orientation toward fellow human beings in need of care, characterised by a willingness to prioritise the well-being of others over one's own needs. While balancing the expectations, challenges, and personal consequences involved, professional altruism remains a core aspect of nursing care, responsibility, and practice.
Conclusion: Professional altruism is a central aspect of nurses' professional identity and an essential element of nursing care. When acknowledged and supported, professional altruism can enhance both the quality of care and nurses' well-being.
Keywords: Altruism; Concept clarification; Ethics; Nursing care; Nursing values.
© 2026 The Author(s).