Nursing students' experiences caring for dying patients

Since the 1960s nurse educators have been searching for the most effective approach to prepare nursing students for care of the dying. Studies investigating the effectiveness of death education programs for nursing students have reported inconsistent findings. A phenomenological study was conducted to explore the meaning of 26 undergraduate nursing students' experiences in caring for dying patients. The nursing students' written descriptions of their experiences were analyzed using Colaizzi's (1978) phenomenological method. Six themes emerged from this analysis. While caring for dying patients, nursing students experienced a gamut of emotions such as fear, sadness, frustration, and anxiety. Contemplation of the patient's life and death occurred as the students cared for their patients. In addition to providing physical, emotional, and spiritual support for dying patients, an integral part of nursing students' care involved supporting the patients' families. Helplessness was experienced by the students regarding their role as patient advocates. While caring for dying patients, nursing students' learning nourished. Educational strategies for preparing nursing students to care for the dying are addressed based on the findings of this qualitative study.