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Updated: May 10, 2026
06:10
Utilizing Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: June 12, 2021
Nursing patients with ventricular assist devices: an interpretive description
Jennifer A Gibson1, Angela Henderson, Carol Jillings
1University of British Columbia School of Nursing, Vancouver, Canada V6Z 1Y6. jgibson@providencehealth.bc.ca
Progress in Transplantation (Aliso Viejo, Calif.)
|June 21, 2013
Summary
Nursing patients with ventricular assist devices (VADs) involves complex emotional challenges and requires specialized knowledge. Nurses gain unique insights from direct patient care that should inform VAD team decisions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nursing Science
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Limited research exists on nurses' experiences caring for patients with ventricular assist devices (VADs).
- Previous studies focused primarily on family caregiver perspectives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore and understand the lived experiences of registered nurses providing care to patients with VADs.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative approach utilizing interpretive description.
- Conducted semistructured, one-on-one interviews with six registered nurses.
- Interview data transcribed and analyzed by a researcher and research team.
Main Results:
- Identified four key themes: exclusive knowledge, human connection, ethics, and interdisciplinary stress and technology.
- Nurses develop expert, patient-specific knowledge through direct VAD care.
- Close nurse-patient relationships can intensify emotional difficulties related to patient suffering and prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Nursing VAD patients is complex, requiring recognition of nurses' specialized knowledge in team decision-making.
- Healthcare institutions should acknowledge and support nurses' emotional responses to caring for critically ill VAD patients.
- Emotional support systems are recommended for healthcare workers in VAD programs.
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