"Even though it is difficult, ..., is truly worth everything": A qualitative study on pediatric nurses' end of life care experiences

Purpose: This study explores the end-of-life care experiences of pediatric nurses in Turkey. Method: This study was conducted using the phenomenology design, one of the qualitative research designs. A total of 20 nurses participated in the study, which utilized purposive and snowball sampling methods, including two pilot interviews. Results: The analysis revealed four categories: (1) the ideal pediatric nurse, (2) caring for a child at the end of life, (3) effects of pediatric end-of-life care, and (4) requirements for ideal pediatric end-of-life care. Within the scope of these categories, the characteristics of an ideal pediatric nurse, the stages and difficulties of end-of-life care, the effects on nurses, and the necessary actions to be taken to improve the quality of care and to strengthen the mental health of pediatric nurses were discussed. Conclusion: This study highlights the growth that pediatric nurses experience despite the challenges they face in end-of-life care and sheds light on potential actions to improve the quality of end-of-life care and empower pediatric nurses. Implications for practice: Professional training, psychosocial support, and ethical guidance should be provided to pediatric nurses during the end-of-life care process. (c) 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.