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Moral decision making in neonatal intensive care
1Concordia University, West Suburban College of Nursing, Erie, Austin, Oak Park, IL 60320.
Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing : JOGNN
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Neonatal intensive-care unit nurses primarily use the care perspective (65%) for moral decision-making. Understanding both care and justice perspectives is crucial for these healthcare professionals.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Nursing Practice
- Moral Psychology
Background:
- Moral decision-making is complex in high-stress environments.
- Neonatal intensive-care units (NICUs) present unique ethical challenges.
- Understanding nurses' ethical frameworks is vital for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the moral decision-making perspectives of NICU nurses.
- To identify the ethical frameworks guiding NICU nursing practice.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive study design.
- Convenience sample of 26 female NICU nurses.
- Semistructured interviews and demographic questionnaires.
Main Results:
- 65% of nurses utilized the care perspective.
- 12% employed the justice perspective.
- 23% integrated both care and justice perspectives.
Conclusions:
- The care perspective is dominant in NICU nurses' moral decision-making.
- Both care and justice perspectives are essential for a comprehensive understanding.
- Findings inform ethical training and support for NICU nurses.
Keywords:
Bioethics and Professional EthicsEmpirical ApproachKohlberg Approach to Moral DevelopmentProfessional Patient RelationshipMore Related Videos
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