Experiences of new nurses dealing with death in a paediatric setting: A descriptive qualitative study

Aims To explore and describe the experiences, challenges and coping strategies of new nurses dealing with paediatric death in a clinical setting. Design A descriptive qualitative study design was used. Methods Semi‐structured interviews were conducted to explore the experiences of 12 new paediatric nurses from a tertiary public hospital in Singapore. Data were collected from September 2019‐December 2019. A thematic analysis was performed for data analysis. Results Four themes were generated: (a) a spectrum of emotions; (b) the ‘blame’ game; (c) getting through the grief; and (d) new nurses' wish list. The new nurses tended to be emotionally affected by their first death experience. They felt anxious and personally responsible for the death but eventually controlled their emotions. Colleagues, religion and self‐actualization were key in overcoming grief. Conclusion The experiences nurses go through at the early stages of their profession shape future workplace attitudes. Additional training and support should be provided to new nurses to build their confidence in managing end‐of‐life care. Training should include cultural awareness and communication skills to equip nurses with the necessary skills. Impact This research will have an impact on institutions, which develop culturally congruent training and support platforms that prepare new nurses for nursing practice. This research will drive future investigations on the long‐term effects of paediatric death on new nurses. 摘要 目标 探讨和描述儿科新护士在临床环境下处理死亡的经验、挑战和应对策略。 设计 采用描述性定性研究设计。 方法 本研究采用半结构式采访方式,探讨新加坡某三级公立医院12名儿科新护士的经验。数据收集时间为2019年9月至12月。使用主题分析法对数据进行分析。 结果 共生成四个主题:(a)情绪谱;(b)“责备”;(c)克服悲伤;(d)新护士愿望清单。新护士首次面临死亡经历往往会影响他们的情绪。他们会感到焦虑,对死亡感到自责,但最终会控制好他们的情绪。同事、宗教信仰和自我实现是克服悲伤的关键。 结论 护士在职业初期的经历会塑就他们未来的工作态度。应向新护士提供额外的培训和支持,以建立他们管理临终护理的信心。培训应包括文化认知和沟通技能,使护士具备必要的技能。 影响 这项研究将对机构产生影响,这些机构会制定文化一致培训和支持平台,让新护士做好护理实践准备。这项研究将推动日后对儿科新护士面对死亡的长期影响开展调查。