Caring for the living and dying: a study of role transition

The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore the ways a group of hospice nurses met the needs of both terminally and acutely ill patients, two groups with seemingly disparate needs. Constant comparisons revealed similarities and differences between nursing interactions with patients, generalizations with regard to overt and covert norms and behaviors, and relationships between expressive and instrumental behaviors. An explanation for the findings was found within the framework of nursing as caring in combination with the nurses' cognitive and affective preparation for their work.