Gathering the stories of nurses, analyzing the data, and discovering the theory of moral reckoning was one of the worst and best experiences of the author’s life. The theory of moral reckoning emerged through the inductive process of the classical grounded theory method. Moral reckoning consists of a three-stage process and critical juncture as nurses reflect on motivations, choices, actions, and consequences of a morally troubling patient care situation. In the middle range theory of moral reckoning, the stage of ease is disrupted by a situational bind and then followed by the processes of resolution and reflection. Properties central to the stage of ease include becoming, professionalizing, institutionalizing, and working. A situational bind terminates the stage of ease and throws the nurse into turmoil when core beliefs and other claims conflict. Properties of the stage of reflection include remembering, telling the story, examining conflicts, and living with the consequences.