Meaning in Life and Self-Esteem Help Hospice Nurses Withstand Prolonged Exposure to Death.

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 instill meaning in life in hospice nurses, they may be able to help nurses 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, counselors, or chaplains) to cope with the existential demands of providing end-of-life care. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.