How Moral Resilience Shapes Oncology Nurses' Responses to Ethical Challenges: A Mixed-Methods Study

Oncology nurses frequently face ethically complex situations that place them at risk for moral distress. Moral resilience may serve as a protective resource, yet its heterogeneous patterns and clinical relevance remain unclear.

This study aimed to identify latent profiles of moral resilience among oncology nurses and examine their relationships with moral distress, hospital ethical climate, and social support.

A convergent mixed-methods design was used. Quantitative data from 264 oncology nurses were analyzed using latent profile analysis and a moderated mediation model. Qualitative data from 17 interviews and 2 focus groups were analyzed thematically.

Three moral resilience profiles emerged: low resilience-efficacy-oriented, relationship-oriented distressed, and high resilience-integrated. Moral distress differed across profiles, with the low resilience-efficacy-oriented group reporting the highest levels. Hospital ethical climate partially mediated the association between resilience and distress, and social support enhanced nurses' perceptions of ethical climate. Qualitative findings revealed coping patterns including avoidance, relational accommodation, and adaptive reframing.

Moral resilience is multidimensional and shapes distinct pathways for responding to ethical challenges. Supportive ethical climates consistently reduced moral distress, while social support influenced nurses' ability to access ethical resources.

Findings support developing tailored interventions that strengthen moral efficacy and communication during ethically sensitive care. Implementing structured ethics debriefings and accessible support systems may help nurses navigate complex treatment decisions. Enhancing ethical climate and team dialogue could reduce moral distress and promote sustainable oncology nursing practice.