NurseLife Nurses care for others. It is what calls them to nursing. But when nurses are in stressful situations, like the COVID-19 pandemic, ethical concerns can lead to moral distress and compassion fatigue. When nurses know what they need to do to care for a patient but are unable to provide the level of care needed due to supply shortages, changes in standards of care and safety concerns — nurses may face a conflict between their ethical responsibilities and the capabilities of their environment. Many nurses even report leaving the profession due to moral distress.

Hear from a panel of direct care nurses, nurse educators and hospital leaders on how moral distress presents in the workplace and how self-care can strengthen nurses in stressful situations.

Panelists:

Brenda B. Charles MSN, APRN-BC, CCNS, PCCNClinical Nurse Specialist – Professional Practice Leader

DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center

Desha Johnson Makiya, PhD, MBA, RN, CCRN-K, PCCN-KAssistant Director School of Nursing

Assistant Professor and Adult Health II Coordinator

Sam Houston State University

Erin Perez, MSN, APRN, ANP-C, AGNP-C, ACHPNPalliative Care Nurse Practitioner

University Hospital San Antonio

Catherine Robichaux, PhD, RN, Alumna CCRNAssistant Professor, Adjunct

The University of Texas Health Science Center

Jeanie L. Sauerland, MA, BSN, RNDirector, Ethics Services

Independent Living Donor Advocate

University Health System

Nelson Tuazon, DNP, DBA, RN, NEA-BC, CENP, CPPS, CPHQ, FNAP, FACHEVice-President and Associate Chief Nursing Officer

University Health System

Michele Wieckowski, RN, BSN-BCCase Manager

Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses (TPAPN)