Dignity at stake in intensive care units - experiences of intensive care nurses

The aim of this study is to explore the phenomenon of dignity as experienced by intensive care nurses when providing care to critically ill patients. To explore the phenomenon of dignity, data were collected through individual interviews. Graneheim and Lundman's interpretation of content analysis was applied for data analysis. The findings highlight three main themes: Dignity as a fundamental aspect of intensive care nursing, Dignity at stake whenmeeting with critically ill patients, and Dignity at the end of life. Patients' dignity is often at stake from the moment he or she becomes critically ill. How the nurse meets the patient is crucial to the patient's experience of dignity. The study shows that nurses must be more aware of their ethical responsibilities and that attitudes, words and behavior have a significant impact on the patients' dignity.