From Sea of Emotions to Reflective Shores: The Lived Experiences of Nursing Students in the Context of Do Not Resuscitate Orders
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64397/nepj.v01i02.2025.a20Keywords:
Challenges, Do not resuscitate (DNR), End-of-Life care, nursing student roles, patient careAbstract
Introduction: Involvement in Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders is a significant responsibility for student nurses, as it supplements the personal needs of patients to achieve a holistic quality of care. Student nurses often lack the necessary knowledge and experience in end-of-life care, leading to hesitation, discomfort, and even fear when faced with dying patients and dealing with ethical dilemmas.
Methods: This phenomenological study explored the experiences of nursing students with patients with DNR orders to promote improved learning and assistance for future nursing students. This study comprises nine (9) participants from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, including level 3 to 4 students of the University of the Cordilleras, selected through purposive sampling. An in-depth interview was utilized through face-to-face and virtual interviews. These participants were chosen following an inclusion and exclusion criterion. Data management commenced with the Colaizzi's seven (7) step phenomenological approach and management.
Results: The analysis revealed four main themes — (a) Sea of Emotions, (b) Sailing Through Vocation, (c) Sudden Surges from the Depths, and (d) Reflective Shores of the Distant Beyond highlighting the (a) sadness and hesitance, (b) navigating responsibilities in patient care and competency development, (c) encountering communication barriers and ethical dilemmas, (d) recognizing the importance of professional preparedness and personal growth, and facing reality in handling DNR cases.
Conclusion: Based on findings, it is concluded that the experience of student nurses with Do Not Resuscitate patients expressed a sea of emotions, including empathy, compassion, ethical dilemmas, and personal growth. The student nurses encountered sudden surges as they faced physical and emotional challenges, but despite that, they acted their roles as nurses in addressing the issues. Sailing through their vocation, the participants provided compassionate care, honoring patients' preferences, and supporting them in their final moments. The participants have been concerned with saving lives and respecting patients' autonomy as well as rendering care to the patients and their families. Furthermore, the participants' understanding of DNR orders delved into their knowledge, attitudes, skills, and values regarding end-of-life care decisions, having developed their improved and enhanced personal and professional views on DNR situations as they reflected on their experiences. It is recommended that continuous learning about end-of-life care and ethical dilemmas surrounding Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) orders should be encouraged among healthcare workers, with hospitals and schools facilitating discussions and collaboration among different healthcare professionals to ensure all perspectives are considered.
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