J Korean Acad Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs.  2024 Dec;33(4):307-319. 10.12934/jkpmhn.2024.33.4.307.

The Self-Expansion Process of Nursing Students in an End-Of-Life Experience Program

• Son M

• KMID: 2562990
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12934/jkpmhn.2024.33.4.307

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to explore the self-expansion process of nursing students in an end-of-life experience program.
Methods
Thirteen nursing students participated in the end-of-life experience program. Data were collected through video conference interviews and analysed using grounded theory methods.
Results
A total of 13 categories emerged. They were analysed by fitting them into a paradigmatic model. The central phenomenon was ‘fear and dread of death’. Action/interaction strategies included ‘accepting death as part of life’, ‘living well to die well’, ‘taking a serious interest in end-of-life care’, and ‘preparing for a dignified death’. The core category was ‘facing the end of life and striving to be a better version of oneself’. This process had five stages: ‘avoidance thoughts of death’, ‘recognizing the existence of death’, ‘focusing on the present’, ‘preparing for a meaningful life’, and ‘growing inward’.
Conclusion
Understanding death can change one's perspective and contribute to the expansion of knowledge and professional competence. Thus, it is necessary to implement programs to improve death awareness among nursing students.

Keyword

Grounded theory; Nursing students; Qualitative research; Death; 근거 이론, 간호학생, 질적연구, 죽음