Table 2 Most common sources of moral distress identified by nurses [n=180]

Intensity

To work with nurses and other members of the team of healthcare providers who do not have the adequate competence to satisfy the patient’s care needs

2.63

1.08

To work with other levels of nursing or care providers that, in my opinion, are unsafe

2.62

1.20

To carry out the physician’s orders even in the cases when I know the test and required treatments are unnecessary (or the required tests and treatments…)

2.65

1.01

Frequency

I witnessed healthcare providers giving “false hope” to a patient or family

2.38

1.06

Follow the family’s wishes to continue life support even though I believe it is not in the best interest of the patient

2.54

1.03

I have witnessed that the quality of care is reduced due to poor team communication

2.45

1.22