“Positive Awareness” and Process of Attitude Change of Nurses in Terminal Care

Abstract

Nurses who are engaged in terminal care should be able to continue doing their job without distancing themselves physically and psychologically from their patients and families even when they touch upon topics related to death. The main purpose of this report is to discuss, among other related factors, the concept of “positive awareness,” which motivates nurses to maintain positive involvement in their work. Personal interviews were conducted with 30 experienced nurses engaged in providing terminal care. The results were analyzed based on the Grounded Theory Approach.
It was found that becoming involved in terminal care was difficult and demanding, but it also provided a good opportunity for the nurses to become aware that they themselves, in turn, receive care through their relationship with patients and families. This “positive awareness” encouraged nurses to become involved in their work without distancing themselves, and was fostered by “clinical experience,” “educational overtures” and “life history.” The findings indicate that nurses who are engaged in terminal care can be supported by helping them recognize this “positive awareness.” Consider whether you want to add any suggestions for how this can be achieved in practice?