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Nursing’s professional dignity in palliative care: Exploration of an Italian context

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  • Alessandro Stievano
  • Laura Sabatino
  • Dyanne Affonso
  • Douglas Olsen
  • Isabelle Skinner
  • Gennaro Rocco

Abstract

Aims and objectives To determine the relevance of nursing's professional dignity in palliative care. Background Dignity is a valued concept in the ethical discourse of health disciplines. Nursing's professional dignity, a concept related to professional identity, is not clearly defined nor have its characteristics been delineated for its clinical relevance in palliative care. Design A qualitative methodological approach. Methods Focus groups elicited dialogues of nursing's professional dignity among 69 nurses working in hospices and home‐care in Italy. Data were content‐analysed via an inductive process. The COREQ checklist for qualitative studies was used for reporting this research. Results A central theme related to (a) “Intrinsic dignity of persons” was embedded in the essence of palliative care. Several corollary themes underscored this central theme: (b) Professional (intra‐ and inter) relationships and teamwork; (c) Nursing professionalism; (d) Ethical dilemmas; and (e) Relationships with patients and their significant persons. Conclusions Nurses valued the essence of respect as persons and the essence of respect for their work as coherent with intrinsic dignity and work dignity in palliative care. Nurses perceived their psycho‐social relationships with patients and their families as rewarding incentives amidst disputatious interactions with peers and/or other healthcare professionals. They experienced ethical dilemmas, which they perceived as inherent in palliative care. Relevance to clinical practice Study findings corroborate the literature regarding the concept of nursing's professional dignity which is intrinsic in respect of the human person. The intrinsic dignity in palliative care manifests as nurses are working in juxtaposition of a demanding yet rewarding care ambience.

Suggested Citation

  • Alessandro Stievano & Laura Sabatino & Dyanne Affonso & Douglas Olsen & Isabelle Skinner & Gennaro Rocco, 2019. "Nursing’s professional dignity in palliative care: Exploration of an Italian context," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(9-10), pages 1633-1642, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:jocnur:v:28:y:2019:i:9-10:p:1633-1642
    DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14753
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bradbury-Jones, Caroline & Taylor, Julie & Herber, Oliver, 2014. "How theory is used and articulated in qualitative research: Development of a new typology," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 120(C), pages 135-141.
    2. Bridget Johnston & Philip Larkin & Michael Connolly & Catriona Barry & Melanie Narayanasamy & Ulrika Östlund & Sonja McIlfatrick, 2015. "Dignity‐conserving care in palliative care settings: An integrative review," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 24(13-14), pages 1743-1772, July.
    3. Hodson,Randy, 2001. "Dignity at Work," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521771313.
    4. Jennifer Rainer & Joanne Kraenzle Schneider & Rebecca A. Lorenz, 2018. "Ethical dilemmas in nursing: An integrative review," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 27(19-20), pages 3446-3461, October.
    5. Hodson,Randy, 2001. "Dignity at Work," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521778121.
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    1. Chien-Yi Wu & Yu-Hsuan Wu & Yi-Hui Chang & Min-Shiow Tsay & Hung-Cheng Chen & Hui-Ya Hsieh, 2021. "Community Nurses’ Preparations for and Challenges in Providing Palliative Home Care: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-11, November.

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