Senior Nursing Students' Perceptions of Caring for Patients at the End of Life

Nursing students often feel unprepared to provide end-of-life care. Studies have examined students' learning outcomes and attitudes regarding end-of-life care, but it is unclear how students perceived their nursing program prepared them in both knowledge and confidence. Such research could help inform curricula revisions.

This pilot study used a primarily qualitative approach with narrative questions and quantitative survey questions to a lesser degree. Seventy-one students from three baccalaureate nursing cohorts were participants.

Five themes became apparent: Students Have Confidence in Provision of Physical Care, Students Lack Confidence in Provision of Emotional Care, Students Experience Stress and Lack of Knowledge When Caring for Families, Students Have Concern They Will Be Too Emotionally Involved, and Students Feel Personal Experiences Enhance Their Confidence.

Student perceptions are important to consider when revising curricula to enhance learning and promote confidence in addressing emotional care at the end of life. [J Nurs Educ. 2016;55(5):279-283.].