Debra Coleman
California Baptist University, USA
Title: The personal loss in nursing and the transition back to bedside practice
Biography
Biography: Debra Coleman
Abstract
Background: Nurses are tasked with vigilantly monitoring patients in dynamic and fluid situations within a framework of compassionate care. Yet, few studies have focused on nurses caring for patients using the skills, judgment, and emotional stability inherent to the profession when one has sustained a personal loss.
Purpose: The aim of this study was (a) to illuminate how nurses negotiate their roles as a person who is grieving and one who is a compassionate caregiver, and (b) to explore strategies that facilitated or hindered optimal functioning during their time of transition back into the workforce.
Methods: A phenomenological qualitative design using thematic analysis was used to analyze and interpret the participants’ experiences.
Results: Eight themes were extracted which provided a rich diffusion of data exampled by patterns of role confusion, lack of preparation despite experience, stratified grief, coping mechanisms, spiritual connectedness, making meaning, creating a new normal and compassion in nursing.
Implications: This study emphasizes the needs to foster nurses’ psychological health through education and strategic policies during times of transition. Using this theoretical framework may extend to examining other transitions within the nursing practice to create insight as nurses adapt to new situations.