Abstract
Background: Providing care for children with a terminal illness is a great challenge for nurses and might be very complex. Several roles can be performed while providing nursing care. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the roles of nurses in providing nursing care to children with terminal illness and explore the nurse's perspective on how they perform their role in caring for children with terminal illness. Methods: This research was conducted qualitatively with a content analysis approach. In-depth interviews with 8 nurses and focus group discussion with 7 nurses were the data collection methods used in this study. The sampling technique in this research is purposive sampling with inclusion criteria for nurses who were willing to participate in this research with a minimum education of diploma degree in nursing, and having at least 3 years of working experience in the pediatric ward. Results: Based on the nurses’ perspectives, their role as a communicator, counselor, collaborator, advocator, educator, and also as care provider make them an information broker for children with terminal illnesses and their families. Conclusion: In conclusion, while performing the roles, nurses must have good communication skills and knowledge related to the condition of the child as well as the ability to work with other healthcare teams with the purpose of providing holistic and comprehensive care for children with a terminal illness.
Highlights
Nurses face a great challenge while providing the best care for children with terminal illness and families to fulfill their physical, psychological, spiritual, and emotional needs in the course of an uncertain and even long-lasting illness [1]
In conclusion, while performing the roles, nurses must have good communication skills and knowledge related to the condition of the child as well as the ability to work with other healthcare teams with the purpose of providing holistic and comprehensive care for children with a terminal illness
A qualitative research design with a content analysis approach is used in this study to explore the nurses’ perspectives on how they perform their role in caring for children with terminal illnesses
Summary
Nurses face a great challenge while providing the best care for children with terminal illness and families to fulfill their physical, psychological, spiritual, and emotional needs in the course of an uncertain and even long-lasting illness [1]. Nurses may be the first to meet with children and families and spend more time than other health workers [2]. Nurses play an important role in caring for the child who is dying and his/her family. Providing care for a dying child is a multidisciplinary and family-centered process. Nurses should acknowledge the physiological, emotional, and spiritual needs of the child and the family during this difficult time. Providing care for children with a terminal illness is a great challenge for nurses and might be very complex.
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