Dying and death seen by intensive care unit nursing professionals

Abstract

When it comes to dying and death each society has its own culture, habits, beliefs and values, which brings it closer to or draws it apart from others and gives its members guidance as to how they should behave and what they should or should not do in the face of them. The goal of this study was to identify the cultural conceptions regarding dying and death in the working context of Intensive Care Units (ICU) nursing professionals. The data were collected through individual interviews and a focal group and analyzed using qualitative techniques. The narratives show multiple determinant dimensions of the professional attitudes and actions that go beyond technical knowledge. It is evident that these professionals look for refuge in their beliefs and values in order to put up with such a burdensome work.