Understanding Moral Distress Moral Suffering • Moral suffering occurs when nurses are exposed to pain and suffering on an everyday basis. • Has its roots in our concern for others and our intention to bring about beneficial outcomes, to relieve the pain and suffering of others, or to rectify an injustice. • Not being able to do this in every instance may be considered “part of the job,” but it is seen as the “cost of caring” and can lead to moral suffering. • Usually over situations or experiences that provoke confusion/uncertainty, or that do not turn out as hoped. • Can arise intermittently or over long periods of time Rushton (2018) / Papazoglou, Chopko 2017

Often healthcare professionals are unsure about what is the morally right way to proceed given the current situation.