Aims Ethical decision-making is a complex process that nurses perform daily. The aim of this study is to explain how ethical leaders in Iran strengthen ethical decision-making in their nursing teams.

Method Data were collected using deep and semi-structured interviews with 20 Iranian nurses in 2015. Analysis was based on constant comparative analysis.

Results Ethical leaders strengthen ethical decision-making by promoting ethical commitment, developing an ethical atmosphere and guiding ethical decision-making.

Conclusion The development of ethical decision-making in nursing can improve ethics-based nursing care.