Moral Distress among Nurses: Review Article
Abstract
Moral distress is a phenomenon frequently reported among healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, arising from conflicts between ethical obligations and institutional constraints that inhibit their ability to act according to their moral beliefs. This review article aims to explore the complexities surrounding moral distress in nursing, its prevalence, contributing factors, and implications for nursing practice and patient care. Through a comprehensive analysis of literature, we delineate the definitions, signs, and symptoms of moral distress, emphasizing its psychological, emotional, and professional ramifications. Additionally, we examine strategies to mitigate moral distress, suggesting interventions at both the individual and organizational levels. The findings underscore the importance of fostering an ethical work environment that empowers nurses, promotes resilience, and supports ethical decision-making. By recognizing the multifaceted nature of moral distress, this review aims to highlight the need for ongoing education, institutional policy development, and enhanced support systems that prioritize nurse well-being and ethical practice.
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Letters in High Energy Physics (LHEP) is an open access journal. The articles in LHEP are distributed according to the terms of the creative commons license CC-BY 4.0. Under the terms of this license, copyright is retained by the author while use, distribution and reproduction in any medium are permitted provided proper credit is given to original authors and sources.
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