Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Nursing

Advisor

Dr. Leslie Hussey

Abstract

Moral distress in nursing has been an issue for decades and has consequences on nurses’ physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Nurses in different settings experience a high intensity and frequency of moral distress particularly in intensive care units (ICU), but few studies have examined the moral distress of non-ICU nurses. The purpose of this 3-manuscript dissertation was to assess the frequency and level of moral distress, ethical climate, and psychological empowerment among new registered nurses (NRNs) who work in non-ICU settings. The conceptual framework of Jameson's moral distress guided this study. Twenty-three NRNs with fewer than 3 years of experience completed the Measure of Moral Distress for Healthcare Professionals, Psychological Empowerment Index, and Hospital Ethical Climate Survey. Using MANOVA, the findings showed no difference in the level and frequency of moral distress, perception of ethical climate, and psychological empowerment among NRNs by age groups in various non-ICU settings, critical care units, and noncritical care units. The findings of this study may contribute to positive social change by encouraging improvement in nurses’ job satisfaction by enhancing communication and teamwork among healthcare providers, which can improve the quality of patient care. Future studies need to focus on the development of strategies aimed at improving moral distress, the ethical climate, and the psychological empowerment of nurses’ workplaces for the benefit of both nurses and patients. Study replication with a larger population is warranted.

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