Ou Meei, Liu Ying-Chun, Huang Ching-Chi, Chao Yen-Hsiang, Lee Tso-Ying, Chiang Hsien-Hsien
School of Nursing, National Yang-Ming University, Taiwan, ROC.
Hu Li Za Zhi. 2013 Jun;60(3):31-9. doi: 10.6224/JN.60.3.31.
Caring for dying patients is an emotional burden for nurses.
This study used reflective groups to explore the process of transition that nurses go through in caring for dying patients.
We adopted a phenomenological approach. Data were collected from nurses participating in 12 reflective groups. All nurses worked in oncology / hospice units in a general hospital in Taipei. We used thematic analysis to analyze data.
Findings identified a transition in how nurses handled and contained their emotions within three main themes: (1) containing unpredictable reality, (2) cautious "holding back" in discussion, and (3) self-cultivation in order to serve others. These findings led us to extrapolate the three issues of wounded healer, facing others, and altruism in caring.
CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This study represented the holding and containing of nurses in caring for dying patients and held group dialogues to facilitate reflection. Findings will be used to facilitate nurse self-awareness and improve end-of-life care quality.
