Terminal Care and Death Through The Eyes Of Turkish Nursing Students: A Qualitative Research Study

Abstract

This study was aimed to determine the thoughts and feelings of nursing students emerging during the provision of care to terminally ill patients. Material and Method: It is a qualitative study. The study population consisted of 12 students who volunteered to participate in the study. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview form and focus group interview technique. Descriptive and content analysis techniques were used for the data analyses. Results:The study found out that the majority of the students defined death as a "sad ending" and "loss". Some students stated that they kept an attitude of acceptance, while others stated that they experienced intense feelings of fear when they encountered death. The students stated that they generally felt sorry for the patient, felt ineffective, and experienced an intensification of their fears of death when providing care for terminally ill patients. Furthermore, all of the students said that terminal care should aim to "minimize pain and provide an abundance of resources". Conclusion:This study shows that nursing students need to get more education about terminal care and that further qualitative studies should be conducted to investigate the feelings of nursing students from various aspects.

Nursing Students' Intention to Work in Hospice Care in the Future

“…Some students report having difficulty communicating with such patients and their families 13-15 . In addition, some students feel inadequate and powerless when facing patients' pain and suffering 14,16,17 . The literature suggests that nursing students' attitudes toward caring for dying patients may be influenced by culture, religiosity, education, and previous experience of death 18…”

“…Studies reveal that students often view death negatively 17 and are fearful of witnessing death 24 . Moreover, they may have personal fears of death 21 .…”

“…[13][14][15] In addition, some students feel inadequate and powerless when facing patients' pain and suffering. 14,16,17 The literature suggests that nursing students' attitudes toward caring for dying patients may be influenced by culture, religiosity, education, and previous experience of death. 18 Another construct that has been explored in relation to nursing students' encounter with death and dying patients is death anxiety.…”

“…19 Sociocultural variables, individual belief systems, spirituality, or religious beliefs can affect how people perceive death. [20][21][22][23] Studies reveal that students often view death negatively 17 and are fearful of witnessing death. 24 Moreover, they may have personal fears of death.…”