Keywords

end-of-life care, Jordan, neonate, NICU nurses, perception

 

Authors

  1. Shattnawi, Khulood Kayed PhD, RN
  2. Younis, Bayan Jehad RN
  3. Omran, Suha Mohammad PhD, RN

Abstract

End-of-life (EOL) care for newborns is challenging and requires well-prepared nurses to provide the best care for the dying baby and to prepare and support parents during such a difficult experience. This study aimed to explore Jordanian neonatal intensive care unit nurses' perceptions and needs regarding the provision of EOL care. This study used an exploratory descriptive qualitative approach and was conducted among a sample of 12 Jordanian neonatal intensive care unit nurses. Semistructured interviews were conducted to allow the nurses to describe their personal experiences and express their needs related to the provision of EOL care. Two main themes and 6 subthemes emerged from the analysis process. Main themes were (1) the challenges related to the provision of EOL care, and (2) nurses' needs: what matters most. The findings of this study shed light on neonatal care unit nurses' experiences and needs related to the provision of EOL care. The results of this study may be used to develop EOL care guidelines, programs, and protocols to be applied in intensive care units.