NR 351 Week 6 Professional Paper
Student Name
Chamberlain University
NR-351: Transitions in Professional Nursing
Prof. Name
Date
Professional Paper
Nursing is a profession filled with challenges that can test not only clinical skills but also ethical resilience. Among these challenges, moral distress remains a significant and often underrecognized issue. The assigned article focuses on this phenomenon, which many nurses encounter during their careers. Understanding the signs, causes, and coping strategies for moral distress can profoundly benefit healthcare professionals, allowing them to identify it in themselves and their colleagues. By applying these insights, nurses can safeguard their own well-being while maintaining high-quality patient care.
Assigned Article Summary
The article highlights a real-life incident where a nursing student experienced moral distress. This distress manifested through frustration and feelings of helplessness, underscoring the emotional weight such experiences carry. As noted by Parsh and Vo (2021), “Moral distress can be recognized in various forms, including emotional indicators such as anger, frustration, or anxiety” (p. 19).
One key issue is that many healthcare workers remain unaware that they are experiencing moral distress, which can recur multiple times within a single month. Left unaddressed, moral distress can contribute to reduced patient care quality, lower job satisfaction, increased staff turnover, burnout, and long-term psychological strain (Parsh & Vo, 2021).
To address moral distress, the authors suggest practical strategies summarized in the Four A’s Approach:
NR 351 Week 6 Professional Paper
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ask | Identify if you are experiencing moral distress | Promotes self-awareness |
| Affirm | Recognize and validate feelings of distress | Reduces emotional suppression |
| Assess | Determine the root cause of distress | Supports targeted problem-solving |
| Act | Take steps to relieve or minimize distress | Encourages proactive coping |
Parsh and Vo (2021) emphasize the importance of utilizing available resources, such as support from colleagues, supervisors, or taking a short break to mentally reset. Unfortunately, many individuals do not leverage these tools simply because they are unaware they exist. Encouraging open communication and fostering a supportive work environment can help normalize the discussion of moral distress in healthcare settings.
Impact of Assigned Article Content on Future Practice
From my own perspective as a hospital nurse, I can affirm that I have personally experienced situations similar to the one described in the article. Like the student in the case study, I have felt frustration and a sense of unhelpfulness during challenging shifts. In hindsight, I realize these episodes occurred multiple times, but my awareness of moral distress only became clear after reading this article.
One particular event occurred shortly after I engaged with this reading. I was able to implement the coping strategies described—seeking guidance from a coworker and my facilitator. This brief five-minute exchange provided reassurance that my actions were reasonable, helping to relieve my distress.
Moving forward, I intend to apply these strategies consistently. Recognizing the early signs of moral distress, asking reflective questions, and drawing on workplace resources will allow me to maintain emotional balance and continue providing safe, compassionate patient care.
Conclusion
The article serves as both an educational tool for nursing students and a reminder for experienced nurses to remain vigilant about their emotional and ethical well-being. Moral distress can emerge subtly, but its impact on patient care and professional fulfillment can be significant if left unaddressed. By actively applying available coping strategies and fostering a culture of openness, nurses can mitigate distress and maintain both personal and professional integrity. Early recognition and timely action are essential not only for self-care but also for preserving the quality of patient outcomes.
References
Parsh, S., & Vo, E. (2021). What is moral distress? Student Voices, 51(11), 19–21. http://doi.org/10.1097/01.NURSE.0000791748.26732.35