Ethical issues experienced by head nurses in small or medium-sized hospitals and measures to solve them

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to elucidate the ethical issues experienced by Head Nurses in small or medium-sized hospitals, and the measures taken by them to solve the issues including the characteristics of the measures. Method: Data were collected by semistructured interviews from 8 Head Nurses working in hospitals with less than 200 beds. And they were analyzed in a qualitative and an inductive manner. Results: Six categories of ethical issues were identified including: “they have no other option than obeying their hospital’s management policy, while they doubt it” and “they have anxieties about whether it is appropriate to continue or to provide treatments for patients in their hospitals.” And, six categories of measures were identified including: “they should tell their ideas to the staff, and consider the issues collaboratively.” Discussion: The issue that “they have anxieties about whether it is appropriate to continue or to provide treatments for patients in their hospitals” is thought to be a characteristic ethical issue for Head Nurses working in small or medium-sized hospitals. This suggests a need for the nurses to have formal opportunities to discuss their anxieties with other Head Nurses and their superiors.