Grief and Critical Care Nursing: Occurrence and Resolution

Abstract

This article reports on research designed to assess the level of grief and the mechanisms of resolution experienced by critical care nurses as they relate to patient death. This prospective exploratory, descriptive study surveyed Registered Nurses (N=92) assigned to Critical Care Units at the University of Colorado Hospital in Denver, Colorado. Based on the findings, the author offers suggestions for ways to provide grief management education to staff as well as timely grief ministry by chaplains.