From complaints to ethical-professional education: a study based on nursing ethical disciplinary proceedings.

OBJECTIVES: to identify elements that can foster ethical-professional education in nursing, based on the grounds for complaints in ethical disciplinary proceedings in Santa Catarina (2017-2021). METHODS: a qualitative document-based study was carried out with data from 178 nursing ethical disciplinary proceedings, considering 33 grounds for complaints grouped into nine subcategories: Iatrogenic harm, Professional disagreements, Crimes, Assaults, Unauthorized practice, Use of social media, Inadequate medical record documentation, Unprofessional behavior, and Abandonment of duty. Content analysis was applied to systematize the data. RESULTS: the articulation between the grounds for complaints and the socioemotional competencies of Education 5.0 revealed that strengthening these competencies may prevent unethical conduct and help identify elements to improve ethical-professional education. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the socioemotional competencies of Education 5.0 equip nurses with essential skills, suggesting an innovative path to reduce errors and promote a more ethical and responsible professional practice.