Emotional Challenges in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurses' Postmortem Care: A Qualitative Exploration

Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) nurses are regularly exposed to high-stress situations, particularly when dealing with patient death and postmortem care. While much attention has been paid to the physical demands of their role, the emotional and psychological impacts of these experiences are often overlooked. Understanding how nurses regulate their emotions in such high-pressure environments is essential for improving their well-being and providing better care.

This study aims to explore the emotional burdens faced by PICU nurses, particularly in the context of patient death and postmortem care. It examines how nurses regulate their emotions in response to these experiences and how these emotional responses affect their professional roles and personal lives.

The study was conducted at Zhejiang Children's Hospital. A total of 15 PICU nurses, with at least two years of experience, participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews. The data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, allowing for a detailed exploration of emotional experiences, coping strategies, and the emotional impact of postmortem care.

The analysis revealed four major themes: (1) emotional and physical strain of patient loss; (2) fear and unease in postmortem care; (3) navigating professionalism amid emotional turmoil; and (4) impact on parenting and career choices.

PICU nurses face significant emotional challenges when dealing with patient death and postmortem care. These emotional burdens affect not only their professional roles but also their personal lives. Developing effective emotional support systems and training for nurses can enhance their emotional regulation and improve both their well-being and the quality of care they provide.