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Termination--an important concept for nursing in long-term care.
1Bethel College, Mishawaka, Indiana, USA.
The Journal of Practical Nursing
|November 15, 2002
Summary
Staff and residents in long-term care experience grief when relationships end. Nurses must prepare staff to manage these emotions and their own reactions to resident loss.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nursing
- Psychology
Background:
- Termination of one-to-one relationships between staff and residents in long-term care settings is common.
- This loss can trigger significant grief, sadness, and emotional distress in both staff and residents.
- Defense mechanisms, such as anger and hostility, may manifest and be directed towards others.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the emotional impact of resident loss on long-term care staff.
- To emphasize the need for staff preparation in managing resident grief and their own emotional responses.
- To support novice nurses in navigating these challenging interpersonal dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of staff experiences and resident-staff interactions.
- Review of psychological responses to loss in healthcare settings.
- Exploration of coping mechanisms and emotional regulation strategies.
Main Results:
- Staff experience profound grief and sadness upon resident termination.
- Residents may exhibit anger or hostility as a coping mechanism.
- Nurses' personal reactions to resident loss require acknowledgment and support.
Conclusions:
- Nurses require training to address resident grief and their own emotional responses to loss.
- Proactive preparation is essential for staff, especially novices, to manage the emotional complexities of resident termination.
- Understanding and supporting staff emotional well-being is crucial in long-term care.