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

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.