Moral distress: challenges for an autonomous nursing professional practice

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Bioethics
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Nursing professionals frequently encounter situations that compromise their autonomy and advocacy for patient interests.
• The nursing profession is integral to the current healthcare model, managing patient care with a focus on social inclusion in various settings.
• Moral distress is a common experience for nurses, stemming from limitations in their professional practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reflect on the realities of nursing practice and the inherent difficulties within the daily work routine.
• To explore the relationship between nursing practice and the moral challenges encountered.
• To analyze the impact of these challenges on professional values and patient care.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative reflection based on the characteristics of the nursing profession.
• Analysis of the ethical dilemmas faced by nurses in their work.
• Literature review on nursing ethics and moral distress.

Main Results:

• Limiting situations in practice often lead to moral distress among nurses.
• These challenges can result in a crisis of values, potentially affecting the quality of care provided.
• There is a risk of nurses abandoning their role as advocates for users' interests due to persistent moral distress.

Conclusions:

• The ethical practice of nursing is significantly challenged by systemic limitations and moral distress.
• Addressing these challenges is essential to maintain the quality of patient care and the core principles of nursing advocacy.
• Further strategies are needed to support nurses in navigating moral distress and upholding professional ideals.