Being and Sustaining Oneself as a Medical ICU Nurse: A Phenomenologic Study

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to explore medical ICU (MICU) nurses' lived experiences coping with potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs). Medical ICU nurses directly care for critically ill patients, which increases the likelihood of experiencing PMIEs. METHODS: Researchers conducted interviews with MICU nurses (N = 25) using a semistructured interview guide designed to identify nurses' ethical and moral values, explore how these values informed the care of patients, and discuss PMIEs in their workplace settings. RESULTS: Three major themes were identified for MICU nurses: 1) values; 2) lived experiences; and 3) sustaining oneself. Participants indicated that a lack of resources and insufficient support from institutional leadership both hinder the ability to provide value-aligned care. CONCLUSIONS: Delivering value-discordant care cultivates stress and frustration. Tools are needed for healthcare organizations to identify and discuss PMIEs and inform resources to mitigate the harm caused by PMIEs.