Physicians and nurses grieve too: Loss, grief and mourning

47^th Global Nursing & Healthcare Conference

March 01-03, 2018 | London, UK

Kimberly Richardson

Widows of Opportunity, USA

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Nurs Care

Abstract :

There is lack of direction when it comes to physicians and nurses coping with their own grief connected with the loss of a patient. It is unprofessional to cry or show too much emotion. The textbook of medicine teaches students to distance themselves and create protective boundaries. Being emotional is a sign a weakness. This approach is impractical and damaging. Physicians and nurses are human and experience feelings of helplessness, guilt, uncertainty, isolation, disappointment, and depression after the death of a patient. These feelings can lead to medical errors and burnout if not addressed. There is limited literature that explores physicians� responses to the death of a patient. Research shows that most people can recover from loss on their own through the passage of time if they have helpful strategies and social support.