Bassola B, Cilluffo S, Ongari E, Terzoni S, Targa A, Destrebecq A, Lusignani M. A qualitative phenomenological study of nurses' experiences in caring for infants and children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.
J Pediatr Nurs 2023:S0882-5963(23)00121-5. [PMID:
37271668 DOI:
10.1016/j.pedn.2023.05.013]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE
To understand the experience of nurses caring for infants and children with life limiting and life-threatening conditions.
DESIGN AND METHODS
A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted, collecting data through deep interviews. Sample included twenty-seven nurses working in paediatric and neonatal intensive care units.
RESULTS
Four themes emerged: suffering, being there, protect yourself and support. The experience of caring for children with limiting and life-threatening conditions affects nurses positively, with personal and professional gratification, but also negatively, as it leads to the development of compartmentalization, avoidance, and high levels of stress.
CONCLUSIONS
The organization should make resources available to help nurses build resilience, improve emotional intelligence, and process experiences and emotions, thereby bringing benefits and improvements in infant and childcare.
PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS
Comparison between colleagues is one of the most effective tools for supporting each other. Dedicated times and spaces to be able to carry out the debriefings managed by the nurses themselves, guided and mediated by an expert figure, such as a psychologist or a trainer, would be recommended.
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