Work

Experiences of grief and loss among registered nurses in residential aged care facilities: A qualitative descriptive study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Registered nurses working in residential aged care facilities frequently encounter dying and death. While caring for the dying is part of their role, RNs are at risk of experiencing unexpressed grief and loss, which can have negative physical and emotional effects. Individual experiences of grief and loss in registered nurses working residential aged care facilities are underexplored. This qualitative descriptive study explores how registered nurses in residential aged care facilities characterize their experience of grief and loss. Semi structured face-to face interviews were conducted with nine registered nurses from two residential aged care facilities in New South Wales, Australia. Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Four themes were identified: (1) evolution of emotion; (2) wellbeing and resilience; (3) challenges; (4) solutions. While participants expressed resilience and coping strategies, there is a need for a structured organizational approach to support RNs, particularly new graduate registered nurses in managing grief and loss.

Source: Death Studies

DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2025.2513995

Authors: Michelle Stubbs, Carla Sunner, Minah Gaviola, Tosin Popoola, Julie Reis

Institution: University of Newcastle Australia

Language: English

Topic: Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association, Newcastle University