Paediatric Nurses' Experiences of Grief in Palliative and End‐of‐Life Care: A Qualitative Study

Abstrakt

ABSTRACT Aims To explore Australian nurses' experiences of grief in paediatric palliative and end‐of‐life care, its impact on professional practice and their utilisation of supports. Design Qualitative Interpretive description study. Methods In‐depth, semi‐structured, online interviews were conducted with ten Australian nurses experienced in palliative and end‐of‐life care in paediatrics. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed and analysed using constant comparative thematic analysis. The COREQ checklist guided reporting. Results Six interconnected themes were identified, reflecting the evolving and pervasive experience of grief: ‘exposure to grief’; ‘impact on personal life’; ‘impact on professional role’; ‘coping with grief’; ‘workplace supports’; and ‘reflection, growth and adaptation’. Findings suggest that grief is an under‐recognised psychosocial phenomenon and potential occupational hazard in paediatric palliative and end‐of‐life care. Nurses valued informal supports, including peer support and compassionate leadership, more than formal debriefing. Barriers to organisational support persisted, yet many nurses reported increased resilience and growth through reflection. Conclusion Grief is an intrinsic yet often overlooked aspect of paediatric end‐of‐life care. Context‐sensitive, individualised supports and compassionate leadership can foster openness and reflection, recognising grief as both a natural process and potential occupational hazard and support nurses' resilience and long‐term wellbeing. Implications Acknowledging grief as a potential occupational hazard and psychosocial phenomenon requires organisational accountability and a systemic approach at leadership and policy levels. This aligns with clinical governance standards and occupational health principles while affirming nurses' right to emotional safety at work. When supported through compassionate leadership and open emotional dialogue, grief may become a source of personal and professional learning and resilience. Impact By acknowledging nurses' experience of grief, this study highlights the need for formal adjustments in policy frameworks, supervision and education at all levels to ensure safety, quality and staff support through competencies in grief and trauma management. Reporting Method The authors followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). Patient or Public Contribution No patient or public contribution was made.