The scope of ethical dilemmas in paediatric nursing: a survey of nurses from a tertiary paediatric centre in Australia.

BACKGROUND

No previous study has provided evidence for the scope and frequency of ethical dilemmas for paediatric nurses. It is essential to understand this to optimise patient care and tailor ethics support for nurses.

RESEARCH AIM

The aim of this study was to explore the scope of nurses' ethical dilemmas in a paediatric hospital and their engagement with the hospital clinical ethics service.

RESEARCH DESIGN

This study used a cross-sectional survey design.

PARTICIPANTS AND RESEARCH CONTEXT

Paediatric nursing staff in a tertiary paediatric centre in Australia completed an online survey asking about their exposure to a range of ethical dilemmas and their knowledge of the clinical ethics service. Analysis used descriptive and inferential statistics.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Ethical approval was granted from the hospital research committee. The survey was anonymous, and no identifying details of participants were collected.

RESULTS

Paediatric nurses experienced a wide range of ethical dilemmas frequently, both in the intensive care and general areas. Knowledge and use of the clinical ethics service was poor and the most frequent challenge for nurses in managing dilemmas was feeling powerless.

CONCLUSION

There is a need to recognise the moral burden of ethical dilemmas for paediatric nurses in order to foster ethical sensitivity, and to provide adequate support to improve care and mitigate nursing moral distress.