(Aeon) – Nurses experience deep suffering when they can’t act according to their moral compass. Our research shows a way forward

While physicians and surgeons are not exempt from moral suffering, nurses are especially vulnerable to it. Due to the nature of their profession, which involves direct care for long stretches of time, it is the nurse who develops a relationship as they provide comfort and care for the patient. Nurses are also, more than doctors, subject to the aftermath – they are at the bedside observing their patients’ pain, fears and reactions to the treatments being provided. Last but not least, nurses are attempting to honour the ethical commitment that they will do no harm, knowing they are, at times, carrying out requests or orders that can make a patient susceptible to harm. (Read More)