Moral Distress and Professional Autonomy among Staff Nurses in Private Hospitals

Abstract

To optimize nurses' roles, it is essential to minimize moral distress and maximize professional autonomy. However, limited local studies explore the correlation between moral distress and professional autonomy among nurses. This research in Midsayap, Cotabato for Q1 2023 utilized a quantitative approach, revealing that most nurses were young adults (19-35 years old), predominantly female, with a bachelor's degree, and employed in private hospitals. Moral distress was low, and professional autonomy varied. No significant relationships were found between demographic factors and moral distress or professional autonomy. Despite moral distress, high professional autonomy can be achieved, and the two are not significantly related. An autonomy enhancement plan was developed to address the study's findings.