A qualitative exploration into the impact that working as a nurse in a children's hospice has on one's thoughts and feelings surrounding personal mortality

Abstract

This research study explores four nurse’s experiences of working in a children’s hospice and uncovers hospice experiences that contribute to personal mortality exploration. The study investigates how these experiences impact the nurses’ thoughts and feelings surrounding their comprehension of their own life and death. The study addresses if a counselling service would be viewed as a beneficial resource in supporting hospice nurses explore their mortality, and where appropriate, also offers recommendations for additional emotional support for nurses. The study is qualitative in nature and uses Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) as its mode of inquiry and analysis. Following interviews, transcription took place before carrying out a detailed analysis of the data. The study revealed that the nurses hold extensive knowledge in their field of work and possess a considerable appreciation of their own mortality. However, there was a clear avoidance for most of the participants in discussing personal mortality in any significant emotional depth. A reoccurring link was discovered between being a children’s hospice nurse and the mortality of the nurses’ own children. This link proved to provoke the most significant emotional response within the nurses. Finally the research found that children’s hospice nurses would find a staff counselling service beneficial to support them in their role. The study concludes that further research into the link between children’s hospice nursing and personal mortality wishes would be helpful in creating a solid body of literature within this field. It is also suggested that research with hospice nurses who have been witness to what they perceive as ‘traumatic’ experiences and whom have engaged in counselling as a result of these traumas may be another area worthy of research.