Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
06:04
Objective Nociceptive Assessment in Ventilated ICU Patients: A Feasibility Study Using Pupillometry and the Nociceptive Flexion Reflex
Published on: July 4, 2018
ICU nurses' experiences in providing terminal care
Laura Espinosa1, Anne Young, Lene Symes
1The Methodist Hospital and College of Nursing, Texas Woman's University, 6700 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, USA. dreamphd@swbell.net
Critical Care Nursing Quarterly
|June 17, 2010
Summary
Intensive care nurses face significant struggles providing end-of-life care due to lack of support. Understanding these challenges is crucial for improving terminal care in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Critical Care Medicine
- Palliative Care
Background:
- A significant portion of deaths occur in intensive care units (ICUs), often involving life-sustaining therapy withdrawal.
- Intensive care nurses' roles shift to end-of-life care, yet they often lack the specialized support available to hospice and palliative care nurses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the experiences of intensive care nurses providing terminal care in the ICU.
- To identify challenges and coping mechanisms related to end-of-life care in the ICU setting.
Main Methods:
- Phenomenological research design.
- Data collected through individual interviews and focus groups with 18 registered nurses in an ICU.
- Colaizzi's steps used for data analysis to identify themes.
Main Results:
- Three major themes emerged: barriers to optimal care, internal conflict, and coping strategies.
- Nurses reported significant personal and professional struggles in providing terminal care.
- Lack of specialized support for end-of-life care was a key issue.
Conclusions:
- Providing terminal care in the ICU presents unique challenges for nurses.
- Addressing the identified barriers and supporting ICU nurses is essential for enhancing end-of-life care.
- Further research and targeted support systems are needed for ICU nurses managing end-of-life care.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Ethical Issues
Nurses are essential in patient care, upholding the ethical principles of their profession and effectively navigating ethical dilemmas. Neglecting ethical issues can lead to inadequate patient care, compromised therapeutic relationships, and moral distress among healthcare workers.
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
01:17Endotracheal Intubation II: Nursing Management
Endotracheal intubation is a critical procedure that can be lifesaving for many patients with respiratory distress or failure. The role of nursing in managing endotracheal tubes is pivotal, as it involves pre-intubation preparation, assisting during the procedure, and post-extubation care.
1. Nursing Care of Patients Before Intubation
Before the endotracheal intubation procedure, nurses play an essential role in ensuring the process goes smoothly. The nurses must be familiar with intubation...
1. Nursing Care of Patients Before Intubation
Before the endotracheal intubation procedure, nurses play an essential role in ensuring the process goes smoothly. The nurses must be familiar with intubation...
01:25Continuing Care
Continuing care describes the variety of health, personal, and social services provided over a prolonged period. The need for continuing care is increasing because people are living longer. Many people do not have families or others to care for them. Continuing care is mainly for patients who are disabled, functionally dependent, or suffering from a terminal disease. It is available within institutional settings or in homes. Examples include nursing centers or facilities, assisted living,...
01:30Ethical Dilemmas II
Resolving an ethical dilemma in healthcare involves a systematic approach that considers every aspect of the issue, respecting both the patient's needs and values and the healthcare professional's ethical obligations. Here are potential steps to resolve an ethical dilemma:
01:15Nursing Implementation
Implementation is the execution of the nursing care plan developed during the planning phase.
The five steps to implementing effective nursing care include reassessing the patient, reviewing and revising the existing nursing care plan, organizing the resources and care delivery, anticipating and preventing complications, and implementing nursing interventions.
The five steps to implementing effective nursing care include reassessing the patient, reviewing and revising the existing nursing care plan, organizing the resources and care delivery, anticipating and preventing complications, and implementing nursing interventions.
01:18Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-II
An interdisciplinary team includes many healthcare professionals working together and utilizing their skills, knowledge, and expertise to provide holistic and quality patient care. Here are a few more healthcare professionals.
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist (PT) aims to restore function or prevent additional impairment in a patient following an injury or disease. Massage, heat, cold, water, sonar waves, exercises, and electrical stimulation are some treatments used by PTs to treat...
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist (PT) aims to restore function or prevent additional impairment in a patient following an injury or disease. Massage, heat, cold, water, sonar waves, exercises, and electrical stimulation are some treatments used by PTs to treat...