Grief experiences of nurses in Ireland who have cared for children with an intellectual disability who have died

Grief experiences of nurses in Ireland who have cared for children with an intellectual disability who have died

MacDermott C; Keenan PM

International Journal Of Palliative Nursing

2014

Background The personal grief experience of nurses who have cared for children with an intellectual disability who have died is little understood. Method This descriptive qualitative study was initiated to ascertain nurses' knowledge and personal experience of grief and how this is managed. Semi-structured interview was the method used to collect data from eight nurses who had cared for a child with an intellectual disability who had died. A pragmatic approach to qualitative data analysis was adopted. Results Of the eight main themes identified, the four most prevalent are discussed in detail: grief, relationship with the child, end of life, and support. The findings demonstrate that nurses have a good understanding of grief, but the way they experience and manage it varies. Conclusion The study suggests that nurses who have cared for children with an intellectual disability who have died may experience disenfranchised grief. Nurses seek support from a variety of sources. Organisational support is important for nurses following the death of a child for whom they have provided care.

2014-12

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