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 selfreflective 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.