Undergraduate thesis.

This study explores the awareness, practices, and perceived challenges of nursing students regarding patient privacy and confidentiality. Aimed at enhancing ethical conduct in both academic and clinical environments, the research utilizes correlation methods to examine the relationships between students' perceptions, actual practices, and the barriers they face in upholding confidentiality. Findings indicate that while the majority of students value the importance of patient privacy and possess a strong ethical foundation, many encounter discrepancies between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Students often resort to self-directed learning and observational role modeling to bridge this gap. These results align with previous studies by Kucukkelepce et al. (2020) and Kulaka{dot} et al. (2021), which highlight the need for greater hands-on experience and continuous clinical guidance to solidify confidentiality practices. The study underscores the importance of ongoing education and system-level support to help future nurses maintain professional standards in patient privacy despite practical limitations.