What is meant by "moral distress" in nursing?

Moral distress in nursing refers to the experience of knowing the right thing to do but feeling powerless to act according to one's ethical beliefs. This often arises in situations where systemic barriers, institutional policies, or the constraints of practice impede a nurse’s ability to provide optimal patient care or advocate for patients. The presence of moral distress can lead to feelings of frustration, anger, and helplessness among nurses, as they grapple with the conflict between personal values and the realities of their work environment.

In contrast, feeling empowered to act on ethical beliefs embodies a supportive practice environment that encourages ethical decision-making, which is not reflective of moral distress. Similarly, experiencing extreme satisfaction in their roles or being rewarded for ethical decision-making do not capture the essence of moral distress, as these scenarios imply positive reinforcement and fulfillment rather than the internal conflict and frustration associated with ethical dilemmas.