Date of Award
12-2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Executive Leadership
First Supervisor
Dr. Lura Lunkenheimer, EdD
Second Supervisor
Dr. Johaun Jackson, EdD
Abstract
This study explored the lived experiences of advanced practice registered nurses caring for dying patients in the acute care hospital setting and how they perceive their role in the discharge process to allow for patient and family autonomy. It explored transitioning patients from the hospital to the community with an interdisciplinary team and the utilization of care homes in the community. The methodology used was a qualitative descriptive phenomenological research design. The study utilized the caring framework theories of Jean Watson’s caritas processes. The study included nine licensed advanced practice registered nurse participants from upstate New York, actively working in the acute care hospital setting. Interviews consisted of open and closed ended questions to identify common themes, explore potential best practices in this geographical area, and to improve the discharge pathway for dying patients being discharged to the community. The following four themes were identified through the study: patient-centered focus, empowered to do more, the truth, and serve the patients. By utilizing the caring framework to learn about the lived experiences of advanced practice registered nurses and the processes used to discharge dying patients to comfort care homes in the community; the data provided indicators of best practices and gaps in the transition process allowing for recommendations to APRNs to provide the best end-of-life care to patients in the community while simultaneously protecting the autonomy of the patients. In addition, this study adds to the body of nursing science research for future care interventions and further research.
Recommended Citation
Lewis-Brewster, Dianna, "Dying with Dignity: An Exploration Into the Lived Experiences of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses Facilitating End-of-Life Care" (2023). Education Doctoral. Paper 601.
https://fisherpub.sjf.edu/education_etd/601
Please note that the Recommended Citation provides general citation information and may not be appropriate for your discipline. To receive help in creating a citation based on your discipline, please visit http://libguides.sjfc.edu/citations.