The Positive Face of Resistance

Abstract

The nurses interviewed described situations in their work lives, where they felt that they performed an act of resistance because of unfair treatment, abuse of power, or ethical concerns. It often took courage to do so, but the acts had mainly positive effects on them and their institutions. It is theorized that resistance may actually be positive for both the staff nurse and the organization.

Searching for ethical leadership in nursing

“…The authors of these articles addressed ethical issues and challenges faced by nurse leaders, 18,19 and the ethical dilemma of 12-h shifts. 20 A few others included ethical dimensions, for example, positive aspects of nurse resistance, 21 organizational respect and justice for nurses, 22 and servant leadership. 23 Some articles contained “values” in the title, but these rarely translated into ethical values.…”

Moral courage in nursing: A concept analysis

“…Being a courageous nurse meant knowledge of one’s own values and acting on them. 25,29,42,46 –51 Upholding the commitment to values required courage because it left oneself open to criticism from others and open to consequences personally and professionally. 25,42,52,53…”

Towards democratic institutions: Tronto’s care ethics inspiring nursing actions in intensive care

“… 77 While resistance was sometimes ineffective at changing the situation for individual nurses, it often brought about systemic change. 78 A recent study found that nurses use resistance to practice morally, to open spaces where dominant discourses could be challenged, and where they could practice on their own terms, in a morally authentic way. 79 Nurses should then feel ‘comfortable with their own appetite for power, implement their power strategies, and after feel satisfied or “full” because they did what they believed was necessary’ (p. 186).…”

“… 37 For Garon, this resistance can be an ‘ethical safety valve’ that can even be beneficial to administrators, since it contributes to safer work environments, and allows them to be informed of nurses’ concerns (p. 249). 78 Research needs to continue documenting how nurses resist in the face of unjust practices, especially as working conditions continue to be impacted by healthcare organizations that normalize chronic work overload, an increasing speed and pace of work 43 and systematically resort to mandatory overtime. 80 By capturing these informal narratives of nurses in different settings, we can add important data to motivate democratic change in different healthcare settings and in the political sphere.…”