Nurse Competence in Relation to Dying Patients, 2004

Both experience and research shows that the care of dying patients is perceived as particularly challenging. The study seeks to shed light on what kind of knowledge, attitudes and skills nurses need to develop to endure to be with dying patients and their families.

The study shows that patients' pain, depression and anxiety of death is particularly problematic for nurses. Further the respondents emphasize a need for skills in communication, ethics, and that nurses possess enough confidence and skills to take responsibility for patients who wants to die at home. Suitability is also emphasized, and that nurses are calm and empathetic, and have respect for patients and their families. About basic education the respondents highlight a lack of exercise, gap between theory and practice, and lack of knowledge.