Supervising in the presence of death: A qualitative study of registered nurses' experiences of supervising undergraduate nursing students in palliative careShow others and affiliations
2026 (English)In: Teaching and Learning in Nursing, ISSN 1557-3087, E-ISSN 1557-2013, Vol. 21, no 3, p. e1202-e1208Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]
Background: Nursing students often feel unprepared for end-of-life care, and education, and clinical experience can enhance their confidence. Clinical supervisors are crucial in this process, yet knowledge of their experiences is limited.
Aim: To explore supervisors' experiences of tutoring undergraduate nursing students in the care of dying patients.
Methods: A qualitative study with individual semi-structured interviews with eight registered nurses. Datawere analyzed using qualitative content analysis.
Results: Themes: adapting supervision to student preparedness; equipping students; and nurturing wings for secure exploration were identified. The findings underscore the multifaceted nature of palliative care supervision and highlight the need to tailor support to students' levels, experiences, and expectations through reflection, preparation, end-of-life care knowledge, and emotional coping skills. It shows how supervisors foster student growth while maintaining safety for students, patients, families, and themselves.
Conclusion: Supervisors support both students' learning and well-being while balancing patient and family safety. They play a key role in preparing future healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality end-of-life care.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2026. Vol. 21, no 3, p. e1202-e1208
Keywords [en]
Clinical education, End-of-life care, Nursing, Nursing students, Palliative care, Supervision
National Category
Nursing Palliative Medicine and Palliative Care
Research subject
The Individual in the Welfare Society, Palliative Care
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:esh:diva-12309DOI: 10.1016/j.teln.2026.04.011ISI: 001801632800001OAI: oai:DiVA.org:esh-12309DiVA, id: diva2:2089765
2026-08-052026-08-042026-08-05Bibliographically approved