Nursing Perceptions of Barriers to End of Life Care in Geriatrics

“Having been a bedside nurse for sixteen years, I have always been fascinated by the complexity of nursing in the acute care setting. We have been trained all along as “healers” and end-of-life care has been one of the most controversial topics in the hospital setting. This thesis was designed to uncover the nurses' thoughts and feelings, when caring for the older adult meant cure wasn't the expected outcome. This research has truly brought into perspective the dynamics and versatility of the acute care nurse, not only as a professional but as a human being caring for another.”