Learning end-of-life care in ICU: Strategies for nurses new to ICU

The experience of critical care nurses caring for patients and families during the withdrawal of life support has recently been explored (Vanderspank-Wright, Fothergill Bourbonnais, Brajtman, & Gagnon, 2011). In that study, the nurses were able to find, using their developing knowledge and experience, their own way, over time, through the process of withdrawing life support. Challenges in caring for patients and families were described by the participants in themes such as "the runaway train of technology," which explored nurses' experience of caring in a technologically complex environment. In this current article, the authors will explore the importance of providing "good care" in relation to withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment. The principles of providing "good care" such as patient comfort, open and frequent communication with families, support by fellow co-workers and time to reflect on the care given are fundamental to the overall experience of providing quality end-of-life care in the critical care environment. Practical solutions will be offered to help both new graduates and nurses who are new to ICU, find their way to care for patients and families within this context.