Iranian Journal of Medical Ethics and History of Medicine

Moral distress is one of ICU nurses' major problems that can happen due to various reasons and may have several consequences. Considering that certain variables can be related to moral distress and turnover intention in nurses, this study was done to determine the correlation between ICU nurses' demographic characteristics and their moral distress and turnover. In this correlational study, 159 ICU nurses were selected from medical universities of Iran. Data collection instruments included a demographic questionnaire, ICU nurses' moral distress scale, and Hinshaw and Atwood's turnover scale. Data analysis was done by using SPSS 17_. The findings showed high level of moral distress and turnover in ICU nurses. The results revealed a positive statistical correlation among ICU nurses' age, their work experience, the ratio of nurses to ICU beds and their moral distress. However, there was no correlation among sex, marital status, educational degree, work shift and moral distress. Similarly, moral distress and intent to turnover did not have a statistical correlation.The results showed that increasing recruitment of young nurses and nursing staff, and diminishing ICU nurses' moral distress and turnover intention are essential.