PubMed · 2011 · 32 citations · 0 references
NursingCritical Care NursingPalliative NursingEnd-of-life CarePalliative CarePalliative Care NursingCaregivingComfort CareEnd-of-life Care EthicsEnd-of-life Decision MakingWithdrawing Life-sustaining TreatmentWithdrawing TreatmentComfort Care After WithdrawalCommunication About Life-sustaining TreatmentLived Experience PracticePalliative Withdrawal Of TreatmentRegistered NursesUse Of Life-sustaining TreatmentWithdrawal Of Life SupportWithdrawal Of Life-sustaining Therapy
BACKGROUND: Withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment is a process in which active treatment and the accompanying technology are removed, ending in the death of the patient. PURPOSE: To understand the lived experience of critical care nurses who care for patients during the process of withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment. METHODS: A phenomenological study was undertaken and interviews were conducted with six critical care nurses. RESULTS: The essence of this experience was described by these nurses as "trying to do the right thing". Three major themes emerged: A journey--creating comfort along the way, working in professional angst, and providing memories.