Lived Experiences of Staff Nurses in Handling Palliative Care Patients

This study explored the experiences, emotional challenges, and professional growth of staff nurses in handling palliative care patients in hospital settings. Three major themes emerged: Emotional and Psychological Challenges, which highlights nurses’ experiences of compassion fatigue, emotional exhaustion, and moral distress when caring for patients facing life-limiting illnesses, as well as their struggle to balance professional responsibilities with personal emotional responses; Meaningful Professional Growth, which discusses how nurses developed deeper empathy, strengthened clinical judgment, and gained a renewed sense of purpose in providing holistic and compassionate care despite the difficult circumstances of end-of-life situations; and Coping Mechanisms and Support Systems, which emphasizes the role of peer support, spirituality, reflective practice, and family connections in helping nurses manage stress and maintain emotional resilience. The findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the emotional, psychological, and professional dimensions of palliative care nursing, highlighting the importance of institutional support, emotional preparedness, and training in end-of-life care. Despite the challenges associated with caring for terminally ill patients, nurses demonstrated resilience, compassion, and professional dedication as they continued to provide dignified and patient-centered care.