On Between Death and Life: Intensive Care Nurses

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Critical Care
• Thanatology

Background:

• Nurses in intensive care units (ICUs) frequently encounter death and dying patients.
• Understanding nurses' perceptions is crucial for improving end-of-life care.
• Existing literature may not fully capture the nuanced experiences of ICU nurses regarding death.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the perceptions and experiences of intensive care nurses concerning death and dying patients.
• To identify themes related to nurses' responses, coping mechanisms, and influencing factors in end-of-life care.
• To provide a foundation for developing targeted educational and support strategies for these nurses.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving 15 nurses from pediatric and internal medicine intensive care units at a university hospital.
• Data collection through face-to-face, in-depth, individual interviews.
• Utilized "Nurse Information Form" and "Semi-Structured Interview Form" for data gathering.

Main Results:

• Six major themes and sixteen sub-themes emerged regarding nurses' perceptions and experiences with death.
• Identified nurses' views on death, their care approaches, coping strategies, and factors influencing their perceptions.
• Highlighted the emotional and psychological impact of caring for dying patients on nurses.

Conclusions:

• Nurses, especially in intensive care settings, require specific education and training in death and dying patient care.
• There is a need for structured psychological support systems for nurses dealing with end-of-life issues.
• Improved training and support can enhance nurses' ability to provide compassionate and effective palliative care.