To explore the necessity and needs for developing a code of ethics for nurses in the multicultural context of Macao, and to provide a scientific basis for the construction of nursing ethical standards.

A phenomenological research approach was adopted,combined with stakeholder theory.A total of 23 nursing stakeholders with diverse backgrounds in Macao(including 7 clinical nurses, 3 nursing managers,6 nursing educators,5 nursing students,and 2 physicians) were selected through purposive sampling to participate in semi-structured written interviews from March to April 2022.The data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method and Nvivo 15 software for thematic analysis.

A total of 2 themes and 7 sub-themes were extracted,namely the importance of developing a code of ethics for nurses in Macao(standardization function for clinical decision-making,institutionalized protection of patient rights,ethical framework function for interprofessional collaboration,and quality leverage role for professional image).The needs that the code of ethics for nurses in Macao should address(needs for standardization of code content,needs for integration of cultural sensitivity,and needs for stakeholder participation).

The development of a systematic and professional code of ethics for nurses in Macao is identified as an effective means to regulate nursing practice,protect patient rights,and improve nursing quality.The code of ethics for nurses in Macao may also serve as a reference for the construction of ethical standards in multicultural regions worldwide.