An Exploration of Moral Agency Among Nursing Leaders

Authors

• Tara L. Sacco, St. John Fisher UniversityFollow
• Michelle Baker, University of Rochester Medical center
• E. Kate Valcin, University of Rochester Medical center

Document Type

Poster Presentation

Publication Date

3-2026

Abstract

The high-stress nature of patient care environments places direct care nurses and nursing leaders at risk for negative psychological effects. Nursing leaders are expected to maintain a healthy work environment and use moral agency to uphold their own professional values while advocating for their patients’, employees’, and organization’s needs. Balancing one’s values and the potentially differing needs of others may result in a leader experiencing moral conflict. Little is known about how nursing leaders use moral agency and their experience of moral distress, moral injury, and moral residue that may result from moral conflict. The purpose of this study is to understand moral agency among nursing managers and nursing directors. Specifically, nurse leaders’ experiences with moral distress, moral injury, and moral residue are explored.

Comments

Presented at 38th Annual Scientific Sessions of the Eastern Nursing Research Society, March 25-27, 2026

Publication Information

Sacco, Tara L.; Baker, Michelle; and Valcin, E. Kate, "An Exploration of Moral Agency Among Nursing Leaders" (2026). Nursing Faculty/Staff Publications. Paper 237.
https://fisherpub.sjf.edu/nursing_facpub/237

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