J Korean Acad Soc Nurs Educ.  2020 May;26(2):167-175. 10.5977/jkasne.2020.26.2.167.

Lived experiences toward moral distress among long-term care hospital nurses: A phenomenological approach

• Lee Sy
• Kim JA

• KMID: 2503046
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5977/jkasne.2020.26.2.167

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to explore the subjective experience of moral distress among nurses working in long-term care hospitals.
Methods
A phenomenological approach was used for the study. Data were collected from May to July, 2019 using open-ended questions during in-depth interviews. Participants were nurses working in long-term care hospitals and had reported experiences of moral distress. Nine nurses participated in this study.
Results
Three themes emerged from the analysis using Colaizzi’s method: (1) confusion and distress about the meaning of care, (2) a feeling of helplessness caused by connivance, (3) enduring in the organization.
Conclusion
Sufficient labor supply, environmental improvements, programs for improving interpersonal skills, education and counseling on end-of-life care, and recognition improvement about long-term care hospitals are suggested to reduce the moral distress of long-term care hospital nurses.

Keyword

Long-term care; Nurses; Morals; Qualitative research; 장기요양; 간호사; 도덕적; 질적연구