Long-Term Palliative Care Workers: More Than a Story of Endurance

Abstract

This study sought to explore the stories of long-term palliative care workers to generate an understanding of their experiences of working in palliative care for an extended period of time. Six health professionals participated in the study, each of whom were currently working in a palliative care service, and each of whom had been working continuously in palliative care services for a minimum of 5 years. Descriptions of their experiences provided insight into the reasons for choosing this work, the stages they went through along the way, and the factors that sustain and challenge them as they continue to work in the area. Five phases in the trajectory of working in palliative care were described: The Awakening, Making the Connection, Committing to the Philosophy, Reaping the Rewards, and Soldiering On. Results from this study may be helpful to educators and administrators who endeavour to develop and support this workforce. Furthermore, the descriptions provided in this study may provide direction for individuals working in palliative care who may be called on to reflect on their own work trajectory and their commitment to the field.

Interdisciplinary palliative care teams : insights and experiences of chaplain interns and social work interns.

“…Saunders (2000) described the care of the dying as a "sometimes overwhelming experience," (p. 9) which can be painful and confusing to all staff (Saunders, 1978 (Webster & Kristjanson, 2002). Webster and Kristjanson (2002) found Reaping the Rewards to be a phase where all participants reported satisfaction in caring for the patient and the family, including cumulative rewards of achievement, growth, and a sense of privilege providing palliative care.…”

“…Saunders (2000) described the care of the dying as a "sometimes overwhelming experience," (p. 9) which can be painful and confusing to all staff (Saunders, 1978 (Webster & Kristjanson, 2002). Webster and Kristjanson (2002) found Reaping the Rewards to be a phase where all participants reported satisfaction in caring for the patient and the family, including cumulative rewards of achievement, growth, and a sense of privilege providing palliative care. This was the phase when the positive consequences outweighed the difficulty or sadness of working with the terminally ill. One participant stated, "It's sad sometimes, but actually it's much more rewarding than anything else I've ever done" (Webster & Kristjanson, 2002;p.…”

“…The last phase in the work trajectory for palliative care team members found by Webster and Kristjanson (2002) was called Soldiering On. Changes were happening (e.g., decline in funding and support for palliative care), which were reported as challenging.…”

“…Another theme that kept them in palliative care was working on an interdisciplinary team; this was described as providing companionship, mutual respect, and support (Webster & Kristjanson, 2002).…”

“…The study by Webster and Kristjanson (2002) palliative care was considered to be a calling and palpable spirituality could be felt on the hospital unit. A collective spirituality was identified and this related to wholeness, meaning, integrity, and personal journeying on the individual and the team level (Sinclair, Raffin, Pereira, & Guebert, 2006).…”