Gabrielle Denis-Larocque1, Karl Williams1, Isabelle St-Sauveur2, Margaret Ruddy3, Janet Rennick4. 1. Ingram School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada. 2. Ingram School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada. 3. Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada. 4. Ingram School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada. Electronic address: janet.rennick@muhc.mcgill.ca.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore nurses' perceptions of caring for parents of children with medical complexity [CMC] in the pediatric intensive care unit [PICU]. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: An interpretive descriptive design was used to explore nurses' perceptions of caring for parents of CMC in the PICU. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten nurses. Interview data were collected and analyzed using qualitative inductive content analysis. FINDINGS: Nurses revealed that their experiences of caring for parents of CMC evolved over time as they learned to tailor a caregiving partnership based on trust. Although various circumstances could challenge this partnership, nurses strove to maintain and nurture it through self-reflection and optimal communication. Three themes were identified in the data that captured PICU nurses' perceptions: (i) "Thrown to the wolves": Adjusting to a new caregiving role; (ii) "Getting to know each other": Merging caregiving roles; (iii) "Keeping connected": Working to preserve the partnership. CONCLUSIONS: Findings shed new light on the importance of a trusting nurse-parent partnership in caring for parents of CMC in the PICU. Results will be used to develop strategies to enhance this partnership, with the goal of supporting parents and staff in their caregiving roles.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore nurses' perceptions of caring for parents of children with medical complexity [CMC] in the pediatric intensive care unit [PICU]. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: An interpretive descriptive design was used to explore nurses' perceptions of caring for parents of CMC in the PICU. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten nurses. Interview data were collected and analyzed using qualitative inductive content analysis. FINDINGS: Nurses revealed that their experiences of caring for parents of CMC evolved over time as they learned to tailor a caregiving partnership based on trust. Although various circumstances could challenge this partnership, nurses strove to maintain and nurture it through self-reflection and optimal communication. Three themes were identified in the data that captured PICU nurses' perceptions: (i) "Thrown to the wolves": Adjusting to a new caregiving role; (ii) "Getting to know each other": Merging caregiving roles; (iii) "Keeping connected": Working to preserve the partnership. CONCLUSIONS: Findings shed new light on the importance of a trusting nurse-parent partnership in caring for parents of CMC in the PICU. Results will be used to develop strategies to enhance this partnership, with the goal of supporting parents and staff in their caregiving roles.
Authors: Claire A Richards; Helene Starks; M Rebecca O'Connor; Erica Bourget; Taryn Lindhorst; Ross Hays; Ardith Z Doorenbos Journal: Am J Hosp Palliat Care Date: 2017-11-27 Impact factor: 2.500