Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026

Setup and Execution of the Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice Death Notification Curriculum
Published on: August 5, 2020
Nurse faculty perceptions of end-of-life education in the clinical setting: a phenomenological perspective
1Widener University, United States of America.
Background:
Caring for patients at the end of life is an emotionally and physically challenging task. When patients approach the end of life, nurses are in a key position to enhance their quality of life by providing emotional support and physical symptom management. Patients and their families need nurses who are comfortable discussing various treatment options and levels of care. Therefore, it is essential that nurses receive both didactic and clinical education on end-of-life nursing care in their nursing curriculum, before entering the healthcare workforce.
Objectives:
The purpose of this interpretive phenomenological study was to explore the experiences of nursing clinical instructors as they guide nursing students who care for dying patients in the clinical setting.
Design:
The research design of this study was qualitative.
Setting:
This study sought to explore the experiences of nursing clinical instructors; however, due to the busy nature of hospital nursing units, participants were interviewed in a private location on their university campus.
Participants:
Ten full-time nursing faculty members participated in this study. The average time spent in a full time faculty position was 16.5 years.
Methods:
A semi-structured interview was conducted with each participant. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. Data was analyzed utilizing Colaizzi's method of thematic analysis.
Results:
Six major themes emerged from the data, which will be discussed and illustrated with participants' descriptions.
Conclusions:
It was evident from this study that educating nursing students on care of a dying patient is not only important but essential to future nursing practice. Nurses who learn about end-of-life care from trusted nursing educators may enter the profession prepared to address patient's questions regarding end of life issues.
Related Concept Videos
Ethical Issues
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
The Professional Nurse
Communication skills: These are critical characteristics, especially speaking and listening.
Ethical Dilemmas II
Nursing Ethical Principles II
Consider the following scenario, which illustrates how these principles are applied in the care of Mr. John, a fifty-year-old teacher diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer.
Initially, Mr. John's...
Nursing Ethical Principles I
Autonomy
Autonomy underscores the significance of a patient's self-determination and freedom from external control. In healthcare, respecting...
Nursing Process for Patient and Caregiver Teaching II: Planning and Implementation

