Dinar Perwitasari1, Dr Kaori Shimoinaba1, Dr Andree Gamble1,2, A/Prof. Rebecca Disler1,2
1Monash University, Australia, 2The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
Biography:
Dinar Perwitasari is a postgraduate student pursuing Master of Advanced Nursing at Monash University. She has prior experiences in study related to mental health nursing, maternal health, and public health. She developed her deep interest in understanding the ‘behind the scenes’ of how experiences in work impacts nurses’ wellbeing, resilience and their quality of care. She completed the study as her minor research thesis for her masters degree.
Abstract:
Background:
Repeated exposure to paediatric patient death and witnessing physical and emotional pain can trigger profound grief reactions among nurses providing end-of-life care in children. However, limited qualitative research has explored how grief affects nurses’ personal and professional experiences in Australian contexts.
Aims: This study explored nurses’ experience of grief in paediatric end-of-life care, its impact on professional practice, and utilisation of support strategies.
Methods:
In-depth interviews were conducted via Zoom with Australian nurses experienced in paediatric end-of-life care, and analysed using interpretative-description qualitative methodology. Interviewees were recruited between January and March 2025 via national organisational emails and snowballing.
Findings:
Ten female nurses working in paediatric hospital settings (ward, hospice and Intensive Care) participated, each with 5-22 years’ experience. Interviews averaged 54 minutes.
Analysis revealed six themes: ‘exposure to grief’; ‘impact on personal life’; ‘impact on professional role; ‘coping with grief’; ‘workplace supports; and ‘reflection; growth and adaptation’. This study illustrated nurses’ grief as an interconnected, evolving process, that created a ‘ripple effect’ throughout their personal and professional lives. Exposure to loss, trauma, and grief in paediatric care was described often as inevitable and an unrecognised occupational hazard. Participants highlighted diverse support-mechanisms, with personal reflection, peer support and compassionate leadership most beneficial. In contrast, formal debrief sessions were often viewed as impersonal and limiting to open expression. Barriers to institutional supports included access and fears of appearing weak. Despite these challenges, many nurses adapted, learned, and grew from their grief experiences.
Conclusion:
Grief is an intrinsic yet often overlooked aspect in paediatric end-of-life care. Context-sensitive and individualised supports, facilitated through compassionate leadership, can foster openness and emotional reflection, recognising grief both as a natural process and a potential occupational hazard. Such approaches are essential in supporting resilience and long-term wellbeing of nurses who care for paediatric patients and their families.