From Moral Injury to Policy: Translating Bioethics Research on Nursing Workforce into State Policy

Washington State faces a critical nursing workforce crisis driven not only by burnout but also by moral injury, the ethical harm that occurs when systemic barriers prevent nurses from providing care consistent with their professional values. Although bioethics research has documented the causes and consequences of moral injury, this evidence has had little influence on state workforce policy. This project will seek to translate moral injury research into actionable policy tools through a statewide policy brief and legislative staff briefing delivered through the Washington Center for Nursing's established partnerships with policymakers, regulators, and professional organizations to inform workforce policy solutions