Toward a Model of Caregiver Grief: Nurses' Experiences of Treating Dying Children

This study explored the emotional experiences of fifteen American nurses who work with terminally ill children. Structured interviews were conducted which considered the relationships and the emotional experiences of one who works with dying children. Specific questions that addressed attitudes and reactions to the dying process were asked, and the notion of a grief reaction was explored. Results from this study indicate that participants experience a form of “emotional tension” in their struggle to balance the intense emotional feelings that exist when treating dying children with their desire and need to be competent care providers. Their emotional experiences are influenced by the relationship that is established with their patient and by the child's dying process. It was concluded that when caregivers recognize the need to grieve and express their feelings while acknowledging that this is a natural, normal, and appropriate manner in which to respond to the death of a patient, they then become better able to take care of themselves, and thus their patients. A proposed model of caregivers' grief is presented.