About the Influence of Ethics on Nurse Retention
Health care professionals and especially nurses are constantly confronted with ethical decisions. Ethical issues are inherent for nurses because they provide care to patients who are experiencing a variety of problems. Moral distress may arise from issues such as conflicts of interest, end-of life decisions, assisted suicide, DNR, in vitro and artificial insemination, transplantation of organs, and artificially providing nutrition and hydration.
In many instances the hospital policies and interests prevent a nurse from following what one believes is morally just or ethical for the patient. This creates stress, frustration, and it paves the way to job dissatisfaction and sometimes to even abandoning the profession. A recent study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania explored the connection between stress created by ethical decision making and job satisfaction for nurses and social workers. The study surveyed over 3,000 nurses and social workers from four different states and it concluded that a large number of registered and licensed professional nurses are greatly affected by ethics stress, some to the point of quitting their jobs.
Close to forty percent of nurses find it harder to perform their duties due to unresolved ethical problems. Over twenty percent of nurses and social workers have admitted that they wished they chose another profession due to a lack of control over ethical issues. The results of this study brings into focus several issues including the retention of nursing staff, training regarding ethical dilemmas, and workplace climate in terms of respect and trust between staff and administrators.
Researchers at the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in Nashville, Tennessee, have predicted that by 2025 the nursing shortage in the United States will be close to 500,000. The report, titled The Future of the Nursing Workforce in the United States: Data, Trends and Implications, found that the demand for RN is expected to grow by two to three percent each year therefore there is an acute need to retain registered and licensed nurses as well as to encourage others to join the nursing profession. A top priority should be finding ways to reduce and possibly eliminate moral distress caused by asking nurses to act against their beliefs.
Half of the nurses surveyed in this study said they became frustrated when unable to solve an ethical issue because of constraints within the organization. Respondents have also said they felt fatigued, overwhelmed and powerless especially when their opinions are not respected and supported. Hospitals and other health care facilities need to have better strategies to minimize ethics stress and improve the relationship between nursing staff and administrators.
All nurses and social workers would benefit from training specifically designed to address ethical issues and concerns. Ethics committees need to work hand in hand with administration and staff to create a positive work environment and ensure that patient's rights are protected. Moral distress will be minimized if nurses feel that their voice within the system is respected and trusted by physicians, managers, and administrative staff. This study has clearly brought to light the importance of solving ethical issues as a way to improve job satisfaction and ensure the retention of nurses.
Nursing Advice, Tips and Resources
Why You Should Consider Working as a Travel Nurse | New Graduate Nurses Working in the ICU | Medical Surgical Nursing | Night Shift Nurses | Tips for Helping Nurses Get Enough Sleep | Foreign Educated Registered Nurses | What You Should Know About the Boards of Nursing | What Makes a Workplace Better than Another for Nurses? | What to Do When a Patient Requires Extra Confidentiality? | Florida Nursing Schools | About the Influence of Ethics on Nurse Retention | NCLEX Practice Questions | Financial Aid for Nursing Students | Online Nursing Schools and Programs | Why Become a Nurse? | How to Study and Review for the NCLEX Examination | Online Master Degree Programs in Nursing | Neonatal Nursing Jobs | Free College Scholarships
