What is Moral Courage?
In the healthcare industry, moral courage is essential for providing high-quality care to patients. As a health provider, you are faced with difficult decisions every day, and the ability to stand up for what is right is crucial for ensuring that your patients receive the care they need and deserve.
But moral courage in healthcare isn't as straightforward as simply doing what you know is right. It requires navigating complex ethical, legal, and social issues that can often create conflicting values and priorities. Oftentimes, you may be put into a situation where you know what you want to do, but external circumstances make it difficult to do what you know is “right.”
So, how can health providers cultivate moral courage? Here are some suggestions:
Educate yourself: Stay up-to-date on the latest research, regulations, and best practices in your field. The more knowledge you have, the better equipped you'll be to make difficult decisions.
Seek guidance: Consult with colleagues or other experts when faced with ethical dilemmas. Getting multiple perspectives can help you make a more informed decision.
Be self-aware: Reflect on your own values and biases and how they may affect your decision-making. Acknowledge your limitations and seek support when needed.
Communicate effectively: Practice clear and open communication with patients and their families, colleagues, and other stakeholders. This can help build trust and facilitate more collaborative decision-making.
Advocate for change: Use your moral courage to push for systemic change that improves patient outcomes and promotes social justice. This can include advocating for policies that promote access to care, addressing healthcare disparities, and reducing healthcare costs.
Oftentimes, our clients only acknowledge moral courage when it involved “grand” actions. However, here are some real life examples of when our clients have shared feeling a sense of moral courage.
Standing up for someone who was being treated unfairly, even though it put them in an unfavorable position
Refusing to participate in gossip or speaking ill of someone, even when it was easier to go along with the conversation to fit in
Speaking up and asking questions when something didn’t seem right, even thought it meant going against a supervisor
Admitting when they made a mistake and taking responsibility for their actions, even when it was difficult.
Making a conscious effort to be inclusive and respectful of different viewpoints, cultures, and backgrounds, even when it challenges their own beliefs.
What about you? What is one small way you are cultivating moral courage? What is one way you have demonstrated moral courage in your personal life or work?
