Investigation of the relationship of psychological resilience levels of ıntensive care nurses with their attitudes and behaviors towards end-of-life care: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The present study was conducted to examine the relationship between intensive care nurses’ attitudes towards end-of-life care and their psychological resilience. Method This correlational study was conducted between November 2023 and March 2023 with a total of 132 nurses working in the intensive care units of a university hospital. Results The mean psychological resilience level of the participants was found to be moderate, and their attitudes and behaviors toward end-of-life care were also at a moderate level. The study findings indicated that married nurses demonstrated higher levels of psychological resilience, while single nurses exhibited higher scores in both the total score for end-of-life care and the care behavior subscale. It was observed that nurses holding a bachelor’s or master’s degree had higher care behavior scores compared to those who a non-degree nurses (p<0.05, Bonferroni correction applied). No significant difference was found in the comparisons between associate degree graduates and other groups. The analysis further revealed that nurses with five or more years of experience demonstrated lower care behavior scores. Nurses who had worked in intensive care for at least four years demonstrated lower care behavior scores. However, the study did not reveal a statistically significant relationship between the participants’ psychological resilience scores and their attitudes, care behaviors, or total scale scores. Conclusion In line with these results, it can be posited that multiple factors may influence the relationship between intensive care nurses’ psychological resilience and their attitudes toward end-of-life care. To enhance these attitudes, various training sessions, seminars, and program initiatives should be developed. Additionally, future studies should be conducted with larger sample groups to further explore this relationship. Clinical trial number Not applicable.