Korean J Hosp Palliat Care.  2017 Jun;20(2):122-130. 10.14475/kjhpc.2017.20.2.122.

Intensive Care Nurses' Experiences of Death of Patients with DNR Orders

• Lee JY
• Lee YM
• Jang JI

• KMID: 2380013
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14475/kjhpc.2017.20.2.122

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to describe and understand the meaning and the structure of subjective experiences of intensive care nurses with death of patients with do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders.
METHODS
Data were collected from eight intensive care nurses at general hospitals using individual in-depth interviews and analyzed by phenomenological research method.
RESULTS
The nurses' experiences were grouped into four theme clusters: 1) ambiguity of death without correct answer, 2) a dilemma experienced at the border between death and work, 3) the weight of death that is difficult to carry and 4) death-triggered reflection of life.
CONCLUSION
It is necessary to develop accurate judgment criteria for DNR, detailed regulations on the DNR decision process, guidelines and education on DNR patient care for nurses. It is also needed to develop an intervention program for DNR patients' families.

Keyword

Intensive care units; Nurses; Resuscitation; Death; Qualitative research

MeSH Terms

Critical Care*
Education
Hospitals, General
Humans
Intensive Care Units
Judgment
Methods
Patient Care
Qualitative Research
Resuscitation
Social Control, Formal