Citation

Dettmore D, Gabriele LC. J. Psychosoc. Nurs. Ment. Health Serv. 2011; 49(4): 34-38.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Healio)

DOI

10.3928/02793695-20110302-01

PMID

21410090

Abstract

Nurses are taught a variety of interventions to relieve patient suffering. They are often more comfortable with patient suffering that is physical in nature rather than psychological, existential, and spiritual. Remaining present for patients and families whose suffering cannot be easily relieved is particularly challenging. This article describes how an expert nurse responded to unrelieved suffering and offers insight into ways of being present for patients and families.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Suicide, Attempted; Countertransference; Nurse-Patient Relations; Pain; Stress, Psychological; Professional-Family Relations; Terminal Care; Defense Mechanisms; Treatment Refusal; Pancreatic Neoplasms