Ruth Powazki1, Declan Walsh2, Brenda Cothren1, Lisa Rybicki3, Shirley Thomas1, Gloria Morgan1, Diana Karius4, Mellar P Davis1, Shiva Shrotriya1. 1. The Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine, OH, USA*† Section of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Oncology, Department of Solid Tumor Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center, OH, USA. 2. The Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine, OH, USA*† Section of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Oncology, Department of Solid Tumor Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center, OH, USA The Harry R. Horvitz Chair in Palliative Medicine and Supportive Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Tausigg Cancer Institute, OH, USA walsht@ccf.org. 3. Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, OH, USA. 4. Section of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Oncology, Department of Solid Tumor Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center, OH, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Care of the dying is a significant component of nursing practice particularly in hospitals. Nurses who work in certain areas like oncology, intensive care unit (ICU) face the care of the dying, more so than other units. OBJECTIVES: The survey was conducted to assess nurses' self-perception of their professional capability and comfort in the care of the actively dying. Determine if professional capability and comfort was associated with any of the six demographics characteristics (age, gender, clinical experience, education level, nursing unit, continuing education). Identify areas of clinical challenge to promote educational initiatives to stimulate best nursing practice in the actively dying. DESIGN: The survey comprised of two parts: Part I with demographic characteristics and a single open-ended question, Part II with twenty questions on the domains recommended by the NCP. RESULTS: Older age and greater clinical experience were associated with greater levels of capability/comfort. Most nurses felt professionally capable and comfortable in domains such as knowledge, physical and psychosocial care but bioethics, communication, cultural, spiritual and bereavement issues challenged ≥ 40%. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses self-perceived professional capability and comfort levels in caring for the dying were positively influenced by older age, greater clinical experience and extensive continuing education. Bioethics, communication and grief impacted nurses personally and emotionally. Continuing education, organized debriefing, grief-counseling, and preceptors support should be routine for nurses who work in units with predictable high mortality.
BACKGROUND: Care of the dying is a significant component of nursing practice particularly in hospitals. Nurses who work in certain areas like oncology, intensive care unit (ICU) face the care of the dying, more so than other units. OBJECTIVES: The survey was conducted to assess nurses' self-perception of their professional capability and comfort in the care of the actively dying. Determine if professional capability and comfort was associated with any of the six demographics characteristics (age, gender, clinical experience, education level, nursing unit, continuing education). Identify areas of clinical challenge to promote educational initiatives to stimulate best nursing practice in the actively dying. DESIGN: The survey comprised of two parts: Part I with demographic characteristics and a single open-ended question, Part II with twenty questions on the domains recommended by the NCP. RESULTS: Older age and greater clinical experience were associated with greater levels of capability/comfort. Most nurses felt professionally capable and comfortable in domains such as knowledge, physical and psychosocial care but bioethics, communication, cultural, spiritual and bereavement issues challenged ≥ 40%. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses self-perceived professional capability and comfort levels in caring for the dying were positively influenced by older age, greater clinical experience and extensive continuing education. Bioethics, communication and grief impacted nurses personally and emotionally. Continuing education, organized debriefing, grief-counseling, and preceptors support should be routine for nurses who work in units with predictable high mortality.
Authors: Maha Subih; Rasmieh Al-Amer; Malakeh Z Malak; Duncan C Randall; Rima Darwish; Domam Alomari; Sultan Mosleh Journal: Inquiry Date: 2022 Jan-Dec Impact factor: 1.730