Shu-Chin Yen
Chung Yuan Christian University Center for General Education
Yu-Chan Li
Department of Thanatology and Health Counseling,National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Science
The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of disenfranchised grief in intensive-care-unit (ICU) nurses. The study was conducted using qualitative methods, namely, semi-structured, in-depth interviews with six ICU nurses. Data analysis was conducted using Colaizzi’s (1978) seven-step approach of phenomenological inquiry. Five themes related to the experiences of disenfranchised grief emerged, including: 1) professional norms of nursing; 2) challenges of the ICU work environment; 3) changes in grief reactions over time; 4) coping methods and mechanisms toward grief and mourning; and 5) personal growth and life learning. Results consistently demonstrated the difficulties and eventual growth of the nurse when faced with the deaths of patients. Results also suggest that successful coping involves adequate balance between professional work and personal fulfillment, between roles/demands and personal needs/ recovery. Based on these findings, suggestions are provided for how to deal with individual disenfranchised grief as an institution.
Keywords: disenfranchised grief, intensive/critical care nursing, phenomenology, phenomenological inquiry methods