Exploring Nurses' Experiences & Coping Strategies in End-of-Life Care Settings

Abstract

A literature review of the experiences of nurses and their coping strategies in end of life care settings was conducted. The background to the increasing role and responsibility of the nurses and the emotional pressure stems from the fact that the cases of chronic and terminal illnesses are on the rise. The current study examined the ethical, emotional, spiritual, and practical constraints nurses face, including meeting the emotional needs of patients and families, exposure to death and handling grief, and how they could overcome such issues in the best way possible. The approach used to conduct the literature review was a search conducted on relevant databases and a thematic analysis of the articles. The research findings highlight a variety of coping mechanisms, including self reflection, setting boundaries, social support, spiritual practices, education, and organizational support. The intervention, therefore, includes knowledge and development of communication skills, interpersonal support, education, and training necessary for a better quality of life for the nurses and a better quality of end of life care. The present study provides valuable recommendations for healthcare facilities, governments, and curriculum developers interested in enhancing the quality of end-of-life care nurses provide. The study emphasizes the importance of further research on the long-term effects of end-of-life care responsibilities on nurses, the effectiveness of coping mechanisms, and the formulation of tailored interventions designed to foster greater resilience and career satisfaction.