Aim The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between the presence of and search for meaning in life and self‐esteem, psychological distress, burnout and affect among hospice nurses. Background The nature of hospice nursing may prompt existential concerns. Method Hospice nurses (N = 90) completed an online survey. Results The presence of meaning in life was associated with lower psychological distress, burnout and negative affect, and higher levels of positive affect, whereas the search for meaning in life was only associated with higher negative affect. Self‐esteem mediated the relationship between the presence of meaning in life and psychological distress, burnout and negative affect. Conclusion The presence of meaning in life promotes self‐esteem, which then buffers against negative outcomes. Implication for Nursing Management Although managers cannot directly instil meaning in life in hospice nurses, they may be able to help nurses to find or maintain meaning by promoting policies that allow them to participate in meaningful personal, cultural or religious activities. Additionally, managers of hospice nurses could connect them with resources (e.g. mentors, counsellors or chaplains) to cope with the existential demands of providing end‐of‐life care.

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Phylogenetic relationships within Chaetopteridae were assessed using parsimony cladistic analysis of 43 external morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic analysis of three genes: mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I DNA (COI) and nuclear 28S and 18S ribosomal DNA. The group currently comprises four accepted genera: Chaetopterus Cuvier, Spiochaetopterus Sars, Phyllochaetopterus Grube and Mesochaetopterus Potts, with 97 available species names. We selected 79 species and one subspecies with adequately detailed data for morphological comparison. Sixteen additional unidentified chaetopterid species were included to enhance representation of the morphological and genetic diversity of the family. The morphological matrix was coded chiefly from the original descriptions, as well as revisions, type specimens and newly collected specimens. Chaetopteridae was monophyletic in the molecular phylogeny, and united by a number of morphological features, including a single pair of grooved peristomial palps, three morphologically distinct tagmata (A, B, C) and the presence of stout, modified cutting chaetae on anterior chaetiger 4 (A4). Chaetopterus and Mesochaetopterus formed well‐supported sister clades based on sequence data; however, the reciprocal monophyly of these genera was not supported by morphological data. Spiochaetopterus and Phyllochaetopterus were paraphyletic/polyphyletic as currently defined, and the status of these and other available generic names is discussed.