Ethical issues registered nurses experience working in intensive care

The goal of this study was to strengthen the ethical competence of nurses working in the intensive care unit, (ICU). The primary objective of this study was to identify the intensive care setting-related ethical issues registered nurses identify from their work and what type of competencies arise. The research questions revolved around investigating the nature of ethical issues encountered and experienced by registered nurses while working in the ICU, as well as exploring the ethical means that nurses find beneficial when faced with ethically challenging situations. In recent years, registered nurses have faced an increasing number of ethical issues, where the principles of maintaining dignity and doing no harm were jeopardized. The COVID-19 pandemic made nurses struggle with the most challenging ethical issues of our time. The focus shift to slow ethics, and the stories registered nurses have to share about coping and creative responses can help to develop care ethics. By identifying these ethical issues registered nurses encounter, nurses' ethical competence can be built today and in the future. Healthcare organizations should actively highlight and share stories of nurses who demonstrate coping and resilience in the face of challenges. These positive narratives can inspire and motivate both current and prospective nurses, fostering a sense of purpose and joy in their work. This study was a qualitative study with an online questionnaire. The data were collected with an online questionnaire with open-ended questions. It was analyzed using inductive content analysis. Seven registered nurses working in intensive care settings answered the online inquiry questions anonymously. Informants were recruited with snowball- sampling through several contact persons working in the ICU setting. The results provide valuable insights into the ethical challenges faced by registered nurses in the ICU and the means they employ to navigate these complex situations. The study underscores the dedication, resilience, and patient-centeredness of nurses in delivering care while grappling with ethical issues. Recognizing and addressing ethical issues is essential to promote a supportive work environment and enhance the well-being of registered nurses in the intensive care unit. This thesis was a small-scale study, which may however inspire larger studies on ethical issues registered nurses encounter and the competencies they experience beneficial. The results of this study enable the construction of simulation cases and other tools for open access use of student and clinical nurses and midwives as well as teachers and managers. The results are strengthening the knowledge base of ethical issues and competence in daily practice in intensive care settings. The results are obtained as a part of the ETHCOM Erasmus+ project