Guilt and nursing practice: implications for nurse education and the climate of care

This paper considers the influence of guilt within nursing practice. The author draws on her experience as a nurse tutor to show how guilt has implications for the well-being of both nurses and patients. It is suggested that nurses' experience of guilt, and the fear that they may be considered guilty, are indicative of a moral climate that rests predominantly upon rules. While rules fulfil a requirement for professional and organizational accountability, they need not be perceived as statements about the trustworthiness of nurses, or as a disciplinary threat. Nurses need to feel trusted to bring judgement to their practice.