Enhancing end-of-life care with dignity: characterizing hospice nursing in Romania

The purpose of this research was to characterize the nursing actions practiced by Romanian nurses affiliated with Hospices of Hope that promote dignified dying and explore needs to promote a more dignified death.

A survey method used the International Classification for Nursing Practice dignified dying survey. A convenience sample of 43 hospice nurses responded. Descriptive statistics, t-tests and content analysis were used to analyze the data.

Characteristics that promoted dignified dying included the use of a formal, iterative process of assessment, interventions that supported pain and symptom management, and spiritual comfort at the end of life. Participants described family-centered hospice care that integrated Christian orthodox tradition that transformed patients as death approached.

Dignity for terminally ill Romanian will be enhanced as the nurses implement these interventions. Awareness of cultural and spiritual differences concerning end of life will facilitate dialogue among nurse scientists.