| Learning Objective #1: Describe two ethical challenges encountered by nurses caring for suffering individuals | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Delineate the clinical significance of addressing these ethical challenges |
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the ethical challenges and dilemmas identified in the lived experiences of registered nurses caring for individuals who were suffering. DESIGN: A phenomenological approach was utilized consisting of four iterative steps: purposive sampling, intensive interviewing, inductive data analysis using Giorgi's method, and uncovering the essential structure of the phenomenon. SAMPLE: Using purposive sampling, 12 registered nurses were recruited. SETTING: Nurses were employed in health care facilities located in the southeastern United States. NAMES OF VARIABLES OR CONCEPT: The study extends the research on the experiences of registered nurses in caring for individuals who are suffering and addresses the ethical dilemmas and challenges the nurses encountered. MEASURES /INSTRUMENTS: Participants were asked to describe their experiences related to caring for suffering individuals. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. Transcriptions of the interviews constituted the data for analysis. Data were analyzed utilizing the four-step process delineated by Giorgi. Methodological rigor was established through adherence to Guba and Lincoln's four trustworthiness criteria. FINDINGS: Myriad ethical dilemmas and challenges were identified by these nurses as they cared for those who were suffering. Some challenges were: colleagues who refused to adequately medicate patients in pain; focusing on technical tasks and avoiding personal involvement; feeling guilty for praying that a patient would die; believing that it is a burden to care for those who are suffering; and exposing elder abuse. CONCLUSION: Innumerable ethical issues confront nurses as they care for those who are suffering. Insight into the ethical dilemmas is gained primarily through the nurses' narratives of the lived experience. IMPLICATIONS: This research is significant to the clinical practice of nursing and to nursing education because it illuminates many ethical challenges encountered by nurses.