Revealing the Meaning of the Mourning Process of Pediatric Nurses Facing the Death of Cancer Patients

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this article is to reveal the meaning of the mourning period in nurses that have had to deal with the death of cancer-stricken children. The death of a cancer-stricken child affects the nursing staff deeply, bringing on feeling of powerlessness, frustration, and shame; these feelings can result in burnout. Method: Qualitative case-based research was undertaken based on Husserl, and ten cases of pediatric oncology nurses who faced the death of child patients under their care were reported. The study took place from June to November 2011 through verbatim-reported in depth interviews. Results: Undertaken using Streubert’s method, this case study revealed three essential issues: the nurses experience the death of a child by shifting between their own approaches to loss and the professional care they provide. This path brings life teachings, given the empathy of working in cancer units and the bonds created in this environment, thus allowing the nursing staff to provide unique nursing care. Conclusion: The study concluded that by providing patients with loving care, nurses have a dynamic approach to their experience of loss.