A qualitative study of emotional experience of facing patient death of nursesin intensive care units
10.3969/j.issn.1000-6729.2024.05.007
- VernacularTitle:重症监护病房护士面对患者死亡情感体验的定性研究
- Author:
Meng SUN
1
;
Peng YUE
;
Yin HE
;
Guoyan WANG
Author Information
1. 首都医科大学护理学院,北京 100069
- Keywords:
intensive care unit;
nurses;
death;
qualitative research
- From:
Chinese Mental Health Journal
2024;38(5):413-418
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To understand the emotional experiences of Intensive Care Unit(ICU)nurses facing pa-tient deaths,particularly those exhibiting signs of vicarious trauma.Methods:Employing a descriptive phenomeno-logical research design,sixteen ICU nurses with signs of vicarious trauma(scores above the theoretical median on the Disaster Responders Vicarious Trauma Questionnaire)were selected for in-depth interviews.The interviews fo-cused on their reference frameworks,self-capacities,resources,psychological needs,cognitive schemas,and image-ry.Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step methodology.Results:The emotional experiences of ICU nurses in the face of patient deaths were categorized into two themes,namely self-defense mechanisms under stress and e-motional exhaustion following prolonged exposure.The first theme includes unconscious temporary closures and personalized emotional reactions.The latter encompasses mirroring emotions of patients and their families,the sense of finality triggered by handling deceased bodies,feelings of helplessness in comforting families,unavoidable re-sponsibility,diminished sense of professional belonging,and strained family relationships.Conclusion:This study highlights the two-fold emotional impact on ICU nurses dealing with patient deaths,namely self-defense under stress and emotional exhaustion following prolonged immersion.
