Dr. Miya presents manuscript at nursing ethics conference

Pam Miya, Ph.D.

Pam Miya, Ph.D., associate professor, UNMC College of Nursing, was one of 24 internationally recognized nurse researchers to participate in an April conference called “Nursing and Health Care Ethics: A Legacy and A Vision.” The Omaha conference brought together pioneers and noted scholars in nursing ethics.

It was the first conference to assemble internationally recognized nursing ethics scholars from across North America in one place, officials said.

Dr. Miya presented a manuscript addressing the theme of relationships.

“We were asked to address the evolution of our work in ethics and ethics research, as well as implications for nursing, bioethics and healthcare,” Dr. Miya said.

Dr. Miya said it’s important to make nurses aware of nursing ethics because they face ethical issues on a daily basis — issues that often cause moral distress.

“Unresolved distress has the potential to increase stress and decrease job satisfaction,” Dr. Miya said. “Nurses must recognize sources and situations causing distress, identify resources and processes that may decrease ethical distress and access those services that can provide nurses with the support needed when facing ethical challenges. If successful, these actions may improve job satisfaction and retention of nurses, as well as improve quality patient care.”