The emotional experience of nurses in the Home Hospitalization Unit in palliative care: A qualitative exploratory study

Abstract

Objective: To explore the emotions experienced by the nurses of a Home Hospitalization Unitas a result of their work role.

Method: A qualitative exploratory study was carried out with a phenomenology approach toexplore people's experiences and inner-life experiences. The participants were 9 nurses workingin the home hospitalization unit. An analysis of qualitative content was undertaken. Units ofmeaning were grouped into 13 codes that, in turn, were classified into 4 categories, emotionaldimension, beneficial and distressing aspects, daily working life and personal life.

Results: Nursing professionals working in palliative care suffer continuous exposure to traumaticsituations, although they also report feeling satisfactory emotions that compensate for momentsof distress. Having resources such as training in self-care and emotional regulation, as well associal support seems to be key to providing quality care and avoiding the onset of compassionfatigue.

Conclusions: Maintaining psychosocial well-being in the workplace is crucial for palliative care nurses to be able to undertake their work in the best possible way.

Keywords: Atención domiciliaria; Burnout; Compassion satisfaction; Cuidados paliativos; Enfermería; Fatiga por compasión; Home care services; Hospice and palliative care nursing; Job satisfaction; Nursing; Satisfacción laboral.