Relationship between Moral Distress and Professional Quality of life among Intensive Care Nurses at Alexandria Main University Hospital

Document Type : Research articles

Authors

1 Specialty Nurse Nursing Administration, Faculty of Nursing,, Alexandria University

2 Lecturer Nursing Administration, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University

3 Assistant Professor Nursing Administration, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University

Abstract

Background: Moral Distress (MD) is a painful feeling and psychological imbalance
that occurs when a nurse especially in ICU knows what the situation calls ethically
but is unable to carry it out because of institutional barriers like time constraints, a
lack of managerial support, the use of medical power, institutional policy limitations,
and legal restrictions. MD can make nurses avoid dealing with patients who require
high-quality treatment, feel bad about their work, and burn out, all of which have a
negative impact on their professional quality of life (ProQOL). Aime: detect the
relationship between moral distress and professional quality of life among intensive
care nurses at Alexandria Main University Hospital. Setting: In all ICUs (n=13) that
provide critical care for one specialty, as well as critical care units (n=10) that
provide critical care for different specialties for patients at Alexandria Main
University Hospital. Subject: Convenient sample of nurses (n= 207) out of (n= 372)
who provide patient care and working in the previously mentioned units, with at least
one year of experience, and willing to participate in the study. They are classified as
follows; critical care nurses (n=73), intensive care nurses (n=134).Tools: 2 tools
were used in this study (I) Moral Distress Scale Revised (MDS-R) (II) Professional
Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL-5) Results: The results of this study showed that
78.3% of nurses have low MD, 21.3% have moderate MD, and only 0.5% have high
MD. Additionally, 70.5% of nurses have moderate CS, 27.5% have low CS, and only
1.9% have high CS. Conclusion: The study results indicate several significant
negative correlations: Compassion Satisfaction (CS) and Moral Distress (MD),
Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) and MD, and overall Professional Quality of Life
(ProQOL) and MD. Recommendation: Authorities should give nursing personnel
more respect and create plans to enhance the ethical atmosphere in practice settings.

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