| Abstract |
Background: The public perceived negative attitudes and poor performance by some nurses, implying low moral competence levels. To determine how nurses handle moral issues in nursing practice, this study explored the challenges encountered and strategies employed by nurses when confronted with moral decisions.
Methods: This study employed a qualitative research design utilizing in-depth interviews conducted by twenty nurse informants from hospitals in Iligan City, Philippines, recruited through a purposive sampling technique. A researcher-made interview guide with open-ended questions was utilized. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed.
Results: The emergent themes are 脙垄脗聙脗聹predicaments toward patient and family issues脙垄脗聙脗聺 with two sub-themes (patient/family non-conforming decisions and dealing with emotionally burdened family members), 脙垄脗聙脗聹recognition of own weaknesses and shortcomings脙垄脗聙脗聺 with four sub-themes (infrequent performance of emotional care, insufficient provision of comfort, interference with the patient脙垄脗聙脗聶s privacy, and delays in care due to prioritization), and 脙垄脗聙脗聹conflict with superiors脙垄脗聙脗聺. Several strategies were employed to effectively address the moral challenges encountered.
Conclusion: Moral competence is inherent in nurses, as they exhibit moral judgment and skills in overcoming the moral challenges encountered. However, there are moral issues beyond control in patient care. Therefore, hospital administrators may conduct a program to enhance the nurses脙垄脗聙脗聶 competence to handle moral challenges and prevent moral distress, which will improve nursing practice. |
Mindanao State
University - Iligan Institute of Technology