Impact of a Novel Method of Ethics Education on Nurse Leaders’ Capacity for Moral Decision-Making:: An Exploratory Qualitative Study

Abstract

This 2018–2019 study assessed the impact of a novel educational intervention on the moral decision-making process of nurse leaders. Utilizing Rest’s model of decision-making, we used a grounded theory approach to examine the impact of the Ethical Lens Inventory on the moral decision-making of 30 nurse leaders at a large, tertiary medical center. Three larger themes emerged: the perspectives-based theoretical framework, the need for restraint in ethical deliberation, and the perceptions of organizational support. The Ethical Lens Inventory and accompanying lecture proved helpful in developing the first 2 stages of Rest’s model of decision-making, as well as in demonstrating organizational support. This 2018–2019 study assessed the impact of a novel educational intervention on the moral decision-making process of nurse leaders. Utilizing Rest’s model of decision-making, we used a grounded theory approach to examine the impact of the Ethical Lens Inventory on the moral decision-making of 30 nurse leaders at a large, tertiary medical center. Three larger themes emerged: the perspectives-based theoretical framework, the need for restraint in ethical deliberation, and the perceptions of organizational support. The Ethical Lens Inventory and accompanying lecture proved helpful in developing the first 2 stages of Rest’s model of decision-making, as well as in demonstrating organizational support. Brooklyn Aaron, BA, is a WellStar Religion and Public Life Fellow at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. She can be reached at [email protected] . Avery Glover, MA, is an MD/MBA Candidate at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts and Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, in Waltham, Massachusetts. Evelina Sterling, PhD, MPH, MCHES, is the Director of Research Development & Strategic Initiatives at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia. Stuart Downs, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CENP, CPHQ, FACHE, FAONL, is the Director of Critical Care Services at Northside Hospital Gwinnett in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Jason Lesandrini, FACHE, LPEC, HEC-C, is the VP of Ethics, Advance Care Planning, Spiritual Health, and Interpretive Services at WellStar Health System in Atlanta, GA.