E-walks bring ethics to the bedside: A nurse ethicist's reflections

Area of Science:

• Clinical Bioethics
• Nursing Ethics
• Healthcare Ethics

Background:

• Front-line healthcare providers frequently encounter complex ethical dilemmas.
• Moral distress and burnout are significant challenges in clinical settings.
• The role of a dedicated nurse ethicist is crucial for supporting staff.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation and impact of "E-walks" (Ethics Walks) by a nurse ethicist.
• To highlight the key components of "E-walks": Recognition, Solidarity, and Dialogue.
• To demonstrate how the nurse ethicist role integrates bioethics with the ethic of care.

Main Methods:

• Regular "E-walks" (Ethics Walks) conducted by the nurse ethicist in patient care areas.
• Encouraging ethical conversations and navigating ethical dilemmas during rounds.
• Seeking creative solutions to minimize moral distress and burnout.

Main Results:

• "E-walks" provide a unique presence and availability of ethics support for front-line staff.
• The initiative fosters recognition of ethical issues, promotes solidarity among providers, and encourages dialogue.
• The nurse ethicist acts as a valuable resource in addressing morally concerning cases.

Conclusions:

• The nurse ethicist role is vital for enhancing ethical capacity and climate within healthcare institutions.
• "E-walks" effectively address ethical challenges by integrating bioethics and the ethic of care.
• This approach supports the development of caring interprofessional relationships through ethics, nursing, and education.