The study explored the experiences of nurses regarding in-patients who attempt or succeed in committing suicide in a general hospital. The purpose of the study was to design support guidelines for the nurses who care for patients who attempt or successfully commit suicide whilst admitted at general hospital. A generic qualitative research approach was followed, using an exploratory and descriptive design. Data was collected through in-depth interviews from a purposive sample of six nurses who met the inclusion criteria. Content data analysis was done. The research findings revealed five themes. The findings indicate that the working environment was not safe for both the nurses and the patients; confused patients were unpredictable and withheld their intentions of suicide from the nurses. Nurses blamed themselves for in-patient suicide; as some are still living with feelings of guilt. Nurse unit managers provided support to the affected nurses; however debriefing sessions were not given to the affected employees. There were no clear guidelines on management of confused patients. Support guidelines for the nurses are presented in this study / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

The study explored the experiences of nurses regarding in-patients who attempt or succeed in committing suicide in a general hospital. The purpose of the study was to design support guidelines for the nurses who care for patients who attempt or successfully commit suicide whilst admitted at general hospital. A generic qualitative research approach was followed, using an exploratory and descriptive design. Data was collected through in-depth interviews from a purposive sample of six nurses who met the inclusion criteria. Content data analysis was done. The research findings revealed five themes. The findings indicate that the working environment was not safe for both the nurses and the patients; confused patients were unpredictable and withheld their intentions of suicide from the nurses. Nurses blamed themselves for in-patient suicide; as some are still living with feelings of guilt. Nurse unit managers provided support to the affected nurses; however debriefing sessions were not given to the affected employees. There were no clear guidelines on management of confused patients. Support guidelines for the nurses are presented in this study / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

The purpose of this study was to explore first year student nurses’ experiences of encounters with death and dying of a patient during clinical practice so as to make recommendations on increase support for first year student nurses. Qualitative research which was explorative, descriptive and contextual was conducted. Data collection was done using in-depth unstructured interview. Nine participants were interviewed and data was analysed. The findings revealed that lack of knowledge, emotional trauma, low self-esteem and nutritional disorder are the results of dealing with death and dying of patients for first year student nurses. Negative attitudes of clinical professionals, shortage of staff and congested block programme were identified as some aspects worsening the situation. Incidental learning that occurs with negative experience encountered was also identified. The findings show the need for review of curriculum for first year student nurses and the need for change of attitudes of clinical professionals / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

The purpose of this study was to explore first year student nurses’ experiences of encounters with death and dying of a patient during clinical practice so as to make recommendations on increase support for first year student nurses. Qualitative research which was explorative, descriptive and contextual was conducted. Data collection was done using in-depth unstructured interview. Nine participants were interviewed and data was analysed. The findings revealed that lack of knowledge, emotional trauma, low self-esteem and nutritional disorder are the results of dealing with death and dying of patients for first year student nurses. Negative attitudes of clinical professionals, shortage of staff and congested block programme were identified as some aspects worsening the situation. Incidental learning that occurs with negative experience encountered was also identified. The findings show the need for review of curriculum for first year student nurses and the need for change of attitudes of clinical professionals / Health Studies / M. A. (Health Studies)