A survey of moral distress in certified registered nurse anesthetists: A theoretical perspective for change in ethics education for advance practice nurses

摘要

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the relationship between moral distress that may affect patient safety, and the clinical practice model, assessing ethical decision-making skills of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs).MethodsA survey using the Ethical Stress Scale (ESS) and the Ethical Assessment Skills Survey (EASS) was conducted with 134 CRNAs.ResultsResults indicated no significant effect of practice model on level of moral distress or perceived ethical assessment skill knowledge [Wilks's lambda?=?0.952,F(6, 256)?=?1.068,P?=?0.382,n2?= 0.02]. A statistically significant positive correlation existed between importance and skill (r?=?0.275,P?=?0.001). CRNAs felt skilled to manage the actions or activities they deemed important.ConclusionCRNAs who perceived a higher skill level in addressing ethical issues experienced lower levels of moral distress. Findings indicate content-specific curricula for the CRNAs need to be evaluated for ethical decision-making skill assessment content.