The Use of a Survey to Identify Bereavement Needs of Pediatric Nurses

Abstract

This study used a concurrent triangulation design with a survey and open-ended interview questions to identify the needs related to the bereavement process for nurses on a pediatric stem cell transplant unit. Additionally, the survey identified the pediatric nurses’ interest in an art therapy bereavement support group. It was hypothesized that the pediatric nurses would identify that bereavement and other psychological effects of nursing negatively impacts their nursing responsibilities and art therapy would be received positively for their bereavement process. Overall, the results of the survey and interviews supported the findings of the literature review regarding the psychological effects of bereavement. The results of the data analysis demonstrated that there are notable psychological effects related to bereavement that affect pediatric nurses’ work and personal lives. The benefits of art therapy to process bereavement were validated through the surveys and interviews and all seven nurse participants stated they would participate in an art therapy bereavement support group.