Moral Distress and Nursing Job Satisfaction: What Are the Consequences for Nursing Sensitive Outcomes? A Narrative Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction. Moral distress in nurses arises from the inability to act according to one’s conscience, leading to emotional suffering and job dissatisfaction, with repercussions on the quality of care and on patient-sensitive outcomes.

Methods. A literature review was conducted using the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases.

Results. 8 articles described the importance of selected outcomes and their relationship with moral distress and nursing job satisfaction.

Discussion. Nursing moral distress originates from the conflict between ethical conscience and external constraints; it reduces the quality of care, increases care omissions, prolongs length of stay, and compromises patient safety and well-being.