Abstract

Background: Critical Care Nurses have previously noted obstacles in caring for dying patients. Obstacles noted by nurses working in more urban settings have been reported. What is not known is the obstacles to providing end-of-life (EOL) care as perceived by nurses working in Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs). Objective: To determine the stories/experiences related to obstacles in providing EOL care as reported by nurses working in CAHs. Methods: This was an exploratory, cross-sectional study. Previous quantitative data has been reported. Documentation of the qualitative stories/experiences of nurses working in CAHs related to obstacles to providing EOL care for dying patients and their families. Results: Sixty-four CAH nurses provided 96 categorizable responses. Two major categories emerged related to either Family, Physician, & Ancillary staff issues or Nursing, Environment, Protocols, and Miscellaneous issues. Issues related to family behaviors included families insisting on futile care, disagreeing about DNR/DNI orders, issues with out-of-town family members, or even family members who suggested to the nurse to hasten the death of their family member. Physician behaviors related to providing false hope, dishonest communication, continuing futile treatments, or not ordering pain medications. Nursing issues included not having enough time to provide EOL care, already knowing the patient/family, or actions of compassion for the dying patient and family. Conclusion: Family issues continue to be obstacles to providing EOL care for nurses regardless of urban or rural setting. Physician behaviors are also consistent regardless of setting. Education of family members regarding issues with EOL care in ICUs is challenging because it is likely the families first experience with ICU terminology and technology. Further research into EOL care in CAHs is needed.

Degree

College and Department

Nursing; Nursing

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