Social representations of nurses about death and dying in the emergency department
Abstract
This study aims to examine and analyze the social representations of nurses regarding end of life and
dying in emergency services. It is a descriptive study, conducted from August to November 2023.
Data were analyzed in light of the theory of social representations, using Iramuteq software. Interviews
were conducted with 11 emergency nurses. The analysis generated seven classes, revealing that death
causes suffering and a sense of helplessness, as it is perceived as a failure, reflecting unpreparedness
and insecurity. Poor structural conditions often provoke feelings of revolt, and many nurses do
not know how to approach patients and their families, leading them to avoid such interactions.
The main representations of end of life and death are anchored in personal experiences, old age, care,
and humanization. It is necessary to encourage discussion of this subject in academic and healthcare
settings to prepare professionals to deal with terminality.
