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Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

1997

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Graduate Nursing

First Advisor

Sharon Hofland

Keywords

terminal care, psychological aspects of death, nurse and patient, nurse attitudes

Abstract

Advances in medical technology have changed the concept of death and the experience of dying. As health care professionals. Nurse Practitioners may have a role in caring for dying persons. Attitudes toward interactions with dying patients may influence behavior towards the dying patient.
The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes of Nurse Practitioners toward interactions with dying patients. The research questions investigated by this study were: (a) What are the attitudes of Nurse Practitioners toward interactions with dying patients, and (b) What personal and professional characteristics are associated with the attitudes of Nurse Practitioners toward interactions with dying patients.
A descriptive correlational research design was used to examine the relationships of selected variables with the attitudes of Nurse Practitioners toward interactions with dying patients. These variables were: educational experience, general life experience, personal experience with dying persons, and professional experience with dying patients.
The sample of 87 Nurse Practitioners was found to have overall positive attitudes toward interactions with dying patients. Personal experience with dying persons and professional experience with dying patients were both found to correlate with attitude. There were no significant differences in attitude based on educational experience. There was no correlation found between general life experience and attitude.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Terminal care
Death -- Psychological aspects
Nurse and patient
Nurses -- Attitudes

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

78

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

Copyright © 1997 Joanne Dorn. All rights reserved

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