Nurses' experiences of being present with a patient receiving a diagnosis of cancer.
Nurses' experiences of being present with a patient receiving a diagnosis of cancer This paper reports the findings of a study which describes the experiences of nurses who were present with a patient when they received a diagnosis of cancer, cancer recurrence or prognosis of terminal cancer. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six nurses who had experience of caring for patients with cancer in an acute surgical setting. Data were analysed using a phenomenological descriptive approach. Participants' descriptions revealed the following seven core themes: 'What if it was me?'; divergent feelings; being there; becoming closer; method of disclosure; time as an influence and learning by reflection. Possible implications for nursing practice and education are discussed and recommendations are made for future research.
Dunniece
U
U
Northern Ireland Hospice, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Slevin
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E
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D004645:Empathy; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D011379:Prognosis; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014342:Truth Disclosure