In the early 1980s, Andy and I mused on many things including moral uncertainty, moral dilemma, and moral distress. We would never have thought that moral distress was entry level, barely across the threshold.
Perhaps we now need “moral anguish.” Moral anguish: when we know what is right and good, but irresistible force stands against what is right and good, for its own ends.
Nursing must be the immovable object that meets irresistible force. It’s in our Code of Ethics for Nurses, provisions eight and nine. Nurses may neither be silent nor inactive bystanders. Alex Pretti wasn’t. Alex Cared.
Do not lose heart. 22,000 ICE officers manpower.[1] Customs and Border Patrol, 25,837 officers.[2] U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS 1811 classified officers, newly authorized division to be added.[3] Maybe about 50,000 strong. We can be generous: say, maybe 75,00 strong.
Do not lose heart… The RN nursing workforce: 4.7 million. Including retirees, over 5 million. Not strong. Stronger.
Moral anguish demands moral action. We begin with public statements. We demand an honest investigation. We demand a full, complete, apolitical investigation of Alex Pretti’s heinous, illicit death. We demand that those who caused his death, whether directly or indirectly, be held to account. We demand that those who sullied Alex Pretti’s character be held to account. However, statements must now become visible action.
Anguish to action. We demand, we walk, we march, we vote. We are Registered Nurses. We care.
Footnotes
[1] https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-announces-historic-120-manpower-increase-thanks-recruitment-campaign-brought
[2] https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/typical-day-fy2022
[3] USCIS 1811 classified officers
YES!!
Yes! It is moral anguish that drew many of us into nursing and that directs us now more than ever to lead.
Well said, Marsha!!