Many nurses are familiar with the term moral distress, which is defined as "knowing the right thing to do but being in a situation in which it is nearly impossible to do it" (Jameton, 2017). Moral injury is a concept first defined and witnessed in military veterans when they bore witness to, or participated in, activities that ran counter to their individual moral code. Moral injury results in profound harm to the individual and can result in PTSD-like symptoms and maladaptive coping mechanisms and may lead to suicide. Exploration of this concept is just starting in the nursing profession and a research study is underway to understand nurses' experiences with moral injury. This session examines the concept of moral injury, the system level issues contributing to moral injury, and the initial findings of the research project and will discuss and present potential solutions.
Continuing Education Instructions and Disclosure Information:
Contact hours available until 10/3/23.
Requirements for Successful Completion:
Complete the learning activity in its entirety and complete the online nursing continuing professional development (NCPD) evaluation. You will be able to print your NCPD certificate at any time after you complete the evaluation.
Faculty, Planners, and Speakers Conflict of Interest Disclosure:
Planning Committee Disclosures:
There are no disclosures to declare.
Speakers Conflict of Interest Disclosure:
Terri Hinkley, EdD, MBA, BScN, RN, CAE discloses that she serves as the CEO of AMSN/MSNCB.
There are no other speaker disclosures to declare.
Commercial Support and Sponsorship:
No commercial support or corporate sponsorship was received.
Accreditation Statement:
This session is jointly provided by Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc. (AJJ) and the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN).
Anthony J Jannetti, Inc. is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc. is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the California Board of Registered Nurses, Provider Number CEP 5387.
Learning Outcome:
After completing this learning activity, the participant will be able to examine the concept of moral injury, the system level issues contributing to moral injury, and the initial findings of the research project and will discuss and present potential solutions.