Student nurses' experience of their first death in clinical practice

Maria Parry

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background : It is important to understand how student nurses might feel when confronted with a dying patient, so that appropriate support and education can be offered prior to their placement. This paper aimed to explore student nurses' experiences of their first death in clinical practice to help identify educational, training, and support needs. Methodology: A qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted and data was collected using a focus group involving five student nurse participants. Findings: The data analysis revealed four themes: the emotional influence of death, skills required, the role of the mentor, and relationships. The students' experiences of their first death in clinical practice caused them considerable anxiety, and they reported feeling inadequately prepared for the reality of the situation. Conclusion : Educationalists and clinicians alike should give much consideration to finding teaching and learning methods that are appropriate to this challenging subject and that more effectively prepare students for what they might encounter.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)446 - 451
Number of pages5
JournalInternational Journal of Palliative Nursing
Volume17
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2011

Keywords

  • student nurses' experience
  • education
  • end-of-life care
  • teaching and learning methods

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