Baccalaureate nursing students' engagement with end-of-life curriculum: A grounded theory study

The art of being prepared to support patients and their families during end of life experiences is not always emphasized in nurse education. Despite the efforts from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and End of Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC), only 25% of nursing schools across the United States are using their modules.

The purpose of this study was to explore how student nurses engage with end of life education.

Qualitative study using a grounded theory approach.

Baccalaureate nursing program located in the rural agricultural western United States.

Using purposive sampling, a single cohort of baccalaureate student nurses in two focus groups (n = 17; n = 23).

Using a grounded theory approach, student experiences and engagement with the curriculum were explored. Using the constant comparative method, three researchers coded the data independently and then came together to reach consensus on themes and for the development of the conceptual model.

Three categories emerged from the data to describe the student engagement with the curriculum: Novice, Evolving, and Prepared. The central theme for the Novice students was Being Afraid. Students expressed fear over the unknown and not knowing what to say or do. Becoming Aware was the central theme for the Evolving students which included a blend of being aware of their deficiencies as well as the important aspects of end of life care. The final category was Prepared. The theme for this category was Becoming Accomplished, which included recognition of respectful care, disrespectful care, team work, and advocacy.

End of life education is essential for nursing students to provide appropriate care at end of life, as well as providing improved knowledge, attitudes, and confidence of students. The End of Life Nursing Education Consortium modules, placed strategically within the curriculum, allow nursing students to move through the process of Being Afraid, to Becoming Aware, and finally Becoming Accomplished upon graduation.