Strategies to Mitigate Moral Distress in Oncology Nursing

ABSTRACT

Because of prolonged exposure to ethical dilemmas, including the inability to control pain, uncertainties in goals of care, and transition to end-of-life care, moral distress remains a problem for oncology nurses. Caring for patients and families under these uncertainties takes an emotional toll on oncology nurses. These work-related experiences inherent in the oncology setting are associated with moral distress in nurses that may lead to burnout and have a detrimental effect on their health and well-being.