Nurse administrators as the cause of moral distress among nurse educators: A qualitative research study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the causes of moral distress among nurse educators.

Background: Educational administration factors can cause moral distress among nursing faculty members. Despite this, limited attention has been paid to addressing these factors. Highlighting and addressing these factors is now an essential element of organizational success.

Methods: A descriptive phenomenological design was used to explore nursing faculty members' lived experiences of nursing faculty members of moral distress. Qualitative data were collected from 10 faculty members using a semi-structured interview framework.

Results: Five themes emerged a) administrative support deficit, b) administrator-faculty member rapport, c) sense of powerlessness, d) marginalization in the decision-making process, and E) being forced to work in opposition to the nursing profession value system.

Conclusions: This study provides common themes as they pertain to causes of moral distress in academic settings. Nurse administrators can play a vital role in preventing moral distress by providing management that demonstrates human caring values and advocates for nursing faculty. Preventing moral distress in academic settings is essential to reinforce and exemplify an ideal learning environment for nursing educators and nursing students.

Keywords: Administration; Decision-making; Faculty members; Moral distress; Nurse administrators; Nurse educators.