Exploring the Emotional and Psychological Impact of End-of-Life Care on Nurses in Tertiary Hospitals: A Qualitative Study

Authors: Sameer O. Alsulami, Mohammed G. Alqahm, Sultan Y. Mobarki, Hassan M. Alharthi, Ahmed M. Alghamdi, Tayeb S. Alotaibi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13997768

Short DOI: https://doi.org/g8n65g

Country: Saudi Arabia

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Abstract: Background: End-of-life (EOL) care presents unique emotional and psychological challenges for nurses, particularly in tertiary hospital settings. While providing compassionate care to terminally ill patients, nurses frequently experience emotional exhaustion, compassion fatigue, and moral distress.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the emotional and psychological impact of EOL care on nurses working in a tertiary hospital, focusing on their experiences, coping strategies, and sources of job satisfaction.

Methods: A qualitative phenomenological approach was used, involving semi-structured interviews with 20 registered nurses in palliative, oncology, and intensive care units. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify key themes related to their emotional experiences.

Findings: Four major themes emerged: (1) Emotional Exhaustion and Compassion Fatigue, (2) Moral Distress and Ethical Dilemmas, (3) Coping Strategies and Resilience, and (4) Meaning and Job Satisfaction. Nurses reported significant emotional strain due to repeated exposure to death and ethical conflicts but also found meaning and fulfillment in their work. Coping strategies such as peer support and mindfulness were critical in managing the emotional toll.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for structured institutional support, including ethics training, peer support, and resilience-building programs, to help nurses manage the emotional demands of EOL care while maintaining job satisfaction.

Keywords: end-of-life care, nurses, emotional exhaustion, compassion fatigue, moral distress, coping strategies, tertiary hospital, qualitative research

Paper Id: 231437

Published On: 2024-09-03

Published In: Volume 12, Issue 5, September-October 2024

Cite This: Exploring the Emotional and Psychological Impact of End-of-Life Care on Nurses in Tertiary Hospitals: A Qualitative Study - Sameer O. Alsulami, Mohammed G. Alqahm, Sultan Y. Mobarki, Hassan M. Alharthi, Ahmed M. Alghamdi, Tayeb S. Alotaibi - IJIRMPS Volume 12, Issue 5, September-October 2024. DOI 10.5281/zenodo.13997768

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