Attractive and aversive aspects of caring for the dying

For nurses, caring for dying patients and their families is perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of nursing. Nurses are often affected by the dying process and the death itself. Most studies in caring for the dying had focused on fear of death/death. anxiety, or attitudes toward death in general. Previous studies also had focused exclusively on the aversive aspect of caring for the dying. This study examined the influence of personal and educational experiences toward the aversive and attractive attitudes in caring for the dying. The study used a survey design. Data presented was collected from 111 registered nurses using a self-report questionnaire. Registered nurses were recruited from two teaching hospitals affiliated with a university in Melbourne. The survey had a response rate of 56%. Descriptive statistics are presented. Forty-nine percent (49%) of the nurses reported that their personal experiences with death and dying influenced their attitudes toward dying patients. Thirty-seven percent (37%) acknowledged that their undergraduate nursing courses had prepared them slightly in caring for the dying. Nurses reported that the most frequently experienced source of aversion was discussion of the actual dying process, (mean = 44.5). The most attractive aspect of caring for dying patients was helping them to experience a dignified death (mean = 81). Innovative and creative death education programs in undergraduate and postgraduate nursing courses and professional development programs are crucial in preparing nurse clinicians to care for the dying.