Reframing Competence and Moral Clarity in Nursing Practice

This article challenges the tendency to frame diminished confidence and ethical uncertainty among nurses as individual shortcomings. While the need for up-to-date knowledge and moral clarity is undeniable, this piece argues that systemic factors-such as inadequate institutional support, unsafe staffing, and lack of access to continuing education-play a significant role in undermining nurses' ability to act ethically and confidently. Drawing from global case examples, including the Ebola crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, this article highlights how moral distress often stems not from ignorance or weakness, but from structural barriers and ethical overload.