The experiences of critical care nurses with regard to end-of-life issues in the intensive care unit

Abstract

Nurses in the intensive care unit may be faced with emotional conflict, stress and anxiety when dealing with end-of-life issues and thus need to be supported. In understanding the experiences of nurses, enhanced support can be given in order to assist nurses to deal better with end-of life issues in the intensive care unit. The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of nurses with regard to end-of-life issues in the intensive care unit. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design using a semi-structured interview approach was used. The target population for the study comprised 20 registered nurses in the intensive care unit. Of the 20, only 9 were willing to participate in the study. A purposive sampling method was used to interview nine nurses in a private intensive care unit. Data collected were thematically analysed, using Tesch's method. Four major themes were identified, namely: (1) conflicting emotions, (2) family relations, (3) multidisciplinary team relations, and (4) supportive strategies when dealing with end-of-life issues. The study concluded that nurses experienced different emotions, conflict and stress when dealing with end-of-life issues in the intensive care unit. A need for supportive relations with family members, the multidisciplinary team and support from management were reported. Immediate debriefing, enhancing communication amongst multidisciplinary team members, having a permanent counsellor or pastoral counselling, an ethics committee and training programmes in place to address end-of-life issues are a few of the support strategies that can assist critical care nurses in dealing with end-of-life issues in the intensive care unit.