Insight 7: A Civil Society Starts in the Care Environment

In this SEE YOU NOW Insight from Episode 96: Addressing Moral Distress Across the Healthcare Workforce, Nurse Executive Consultant and former UC Health CNE Kathy Howell, MBA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, takes us beyond the headlines of nursing shortages and toward the deeper causes of workforce distress: unsafe workplaces, moral injury, and a fractured social contract with the nursing profession.  Howell reminds us that the relationship between nurses and society is not merely transactional; it's a covenant, rooted in profound moral commitment, trust, and service. When this sacred trust is broken, it leaves nurses vulnerable not just physically, but emotionally and ethically. Howell shares how preventing workplace violence, ensuring 24/7 mental health support, and building peer accountability are critical steps toward restoring safety, support, and a sense of shared responsibility in healthcare environments.  To listen to this Insight clip's full episode, visit SEE YOU NOW Podcast Episode 96: Addressing Moral Distress Across the Healthcare Workforce at APPLE, SPOTIFY, or YOUTUBE, or at your favorite streaming platform. For more information on resources, visit ANA's Innovation Website at: https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/innovation/ Have questions or feedback for the SEE YOU NOW team? Future episode ideas? Contact us at: [email protected].