Fostering Resilience over Multiple Losses for Nursing Staff in the Palliative Care Unit: Whole Person Approach – Part 2
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Abstract
Objectives: “Bereavement overload” due to multiple losses is one of the stressors for the nursing staff working at Palliative Care Unit (PCU), which may be especially tough to those with less exposure to it. A support program was developed for the nursing staff of newly-opened PCU (April 2011) in order to foster resilience and wellness despite multiple losses. We conducted a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the support program with “whole person approach” – consisting of 3 modules: 1) lecture on grief and bereavement (mind), 2) experiential workshop on body awareness and relaxation (body/spirit), and 3) group discussion (mind/spirit), for the increased sense of self-efficacy, awareness of their inner healing power, and fostering mutual understanding and support.
Methods: 20 nurses were randomly assigned to two groups for the action research project. Data included participant observation, individual and focus group interviews with one of the investigators. The support program package was offered from October to December 2012 (A) and from January to March 2013 (B) respectively, using wait-list control method. Self-efficacy scale was used at the base line, at the completion of package A, and at the completion of package B. Participants also answered brief survey after each module, followed by semi-structured interview.
Results: The participants’ overall responses were positive, with comments like “becoming more aware of my own grief process” (module 1), “was amazed by the power of awareness and simple touch” (module 2), “inspired by learning others’ perspectives on death and dying” (module 3). Shared learning and reflection as well as “learning something tangible” seem to be important components of the program.
Conclusions: The support program was positively received and contributed to the nursing staff’s increased sense of self-efficacy and resilience over “bereavement overload.” Continued program development is in progress based on the feedback.
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