Learning, decisions and transformation in critical care nursing practice

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Ethics
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Critical care nurses operate in high-acuity environments.
• Ethical decision-making is a complex and crucial aspect of critical care nursing practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the process of ethical decision-making among critical care nurses.
• To develop a new model for focused reflection in ethical decision-making.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research design.
• Purposive sampling of fifteen critical care nurses with diverse experience and education.
• Utilized theoretical frameworks including experiential learning, perspective transformation, reflection-in-action, and principle-based ethics.

Main Results:

• A novel model of focused reflection in ethical decision-making was developed.
• The presence of a role model or mentor was identified as critical for guiding ethical decision-making.
• Mentorship facilitates focused ethical discourse and improves decision-making processes.

Conclusions:

• Mentorship and role modeling are essential components for supporting critical care nurses in ethical decision-making.
• The developed model provides a framework for enhancing ethical reflection and practice in critical care.