The process of moral distress development: A virtue ethics perspective

Area of Science:

• Nursing Ethics
• Moral Philosophy
• Virtue Ethics

Background:

• Moral distress in nurses is a significant issue with extensively studied causes and manifestations.
• Existing research often lacks theoretical depth, limiting new avenues for analysis.
• Previous frameworks for understanding moral distress in nurses exist, such as that proposed by Ramos et al.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel perspective on understanding nurses' moral distress through the lens of virtue ethics.
• To explicate and adapt the Ramos et al. conceptual framework of moral distress using MacIntyrean virtue ethics.
• To broaden the understanding of the complexity of nurses' experiences with moral distress.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical analysis applying MacIntyrean virtue ethics to the process of moral distress in nursing.
• Examination of how identity, social context, beliefs, and tradition influence moral discomfort and sensitivity.
• Exploration of the role of virtues in shaping nurses' moral judgments within their professional practice.

Main Results:

• Virtue ethics provides a richer understanding of the multifaceted nature of nurses' moral distress.
• Factors such as identity, social context, beliefs, and tradition significantly shape moral experiences.
• Virtues are crucial for moral judgment, and their development is linked to moral competence.

Conclusions:

• A virtue ethics approach enhances the comprehension of nurses' moral distress, acknowledging its inherent complexity.
• Blocked moral competence, influenced by various factors, can lead to moral distress and deprofessionalization.
• Nurses' pursuit of the internal good of their practice supports moral decision-making and prevents moral distress.