A signifi cant gap exists in the current literature
about understanding the trauma nurse's interpretation
of moral distress. This lack of literature may contribute
to overlooking critical aspects of a trauma nurse's life
that infl uence how they cope with the challenges of
their practice environment. For example, a trauma
nurse's awareness of boundaries may enhance selfrefl
ective practice; this, in turn, could infl uence relationships
among human caring, self-worth, and emotional
stability in trauma nurses’ practice and personal lives.
Focusing on moral distress could also enable trauma
nurses to articulate the emotional process and stages
they experience when faced with morally challenging
patient dilemmas.