Supporting The Neonatal Nurse In The Role Of Final Comforter

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Amber Welborn PhD, RN, Assistant Professor (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/

Abstract: The death of an infant in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) without the presence of family members can be a stressful event for the care nurse, who may feel obligated to provide love and comfort to the infant, in addition to medical care. The nurse may experience role conflict while attempting to meet all of the infant's perceived needs. This article explores the unique needs and circumstances of the NICU nurse in the role of final comforter for a dying infant when a family member is not present. The provision of such emotionally demanding work requires the nurse to receive education, mentoring, and support from colleagues and administration. NICU nurses who receive education on grief management and palliative care, mentorship from experienced nurses, and post-mortem grief support are better able to manage their own experiences with grief after the death of an infant in their care.

Additional Information

Publication
Welborn, A. (2017). Supporting the neonatal nurse in the role of final comforter. Journal of Neonatal Nursing. Volume 23, Issue 2, April 2017, Pages 58-64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnn.2016.09.005. Publisher version of record available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1355184116301156
Language: English
Date: 2017
Keywords
Neonatal intensive care unit, NICU, Grief, Death and Dying, Coping, Comfort

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