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A theoretical argumentation on the consequences of moral stress
Author(s) -
CRONQVIST AGNETA,
NYSTRÖM MARIA
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of nursing management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.925
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1365-2834
pISSN - 0966-0429
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2834.2007.00764.x
Subject(s) - competence (human resources) , social cognitive theory of morality , psychology , argumentation theory , intensive care , qualitative research , social psychology , intensive care unit , moral disengagement , nursing , epistemology , medicine , sociology , social science , philosophy , intensive care medicine , psychiatry
Background Intensive care units are characterized by heavy workloads, increasing work complexity and ethical concerns related to life‐and‐death decisions. In the present study, it is assumed that there is a relationship between moral stress, support and competence for nurses in intensive care units. Aim To analyse and describe the theoretical relationship between moral stress and support on the one hand and competence on the other, in the context of intensive care. Method A form of qualitative secondary analysis based on the findings from three original studies. In the analytic process a theory on professional competence was used. Findings The findings suggest that imbalance due to moral stress between different competences hinders the development of collectively shared caring competence. Conclusions Moral stress cannot be totally eliminated in the intensive care unit. But moral stress is not only a problem. It can also become a driving force to stimulate competence.