Ciara MacDermott1, Paul Michael Keenan. 1. Post Registration Children's Nursing Student, Children's University Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin.
Abstract
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.
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.