Moral dilemmas experienced by nurse practitioners

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Bioethics
• Primary Care

Background:

• Nurse practitioners (NPs) face unique ethical challenges in primary care settings.
• Understanding these moral dilemmas is crucial for advancing the NP role.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the moral dilemmas encountered by NPs in primary care.
• To explore the personal and professional values that shape the resolution of these dilemmas.
• To offer insights into the advanced practice nurse's role.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of nurse practitioners' experiences and narratives.
• Exploration of ethical decision-making processes in primary care.

Main Results:

• Moral dilemmas in primary care are common for NPs.
• Personal and professional values significantly influence dilemma resolution.
• NPs' values provide critical insights into their advanced practice role.

Conclusions:

• The findings have implications for NP clinical practice.
• Educational strategies for NP programs should address ethical decision-making and values clarification.
• Further research can explore specific interventions to support NPs facing moral distress.