Date

11-11-2026

Department

School of Nursing

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

Chair

Jane Langemeier

Keywords

Diploma nurses, nursing education, hospice simulation, phenomenology, end-of-life

Disciplines

Education | Nursing

Abstract

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore the experiences of diploma program nursing students through an actively dying hospice patient simulation with a family component. Kolb’s experiential learning theory (1984) guided the study as it identifies learning as a process that builds on previous experience and reflection. This study took place at a diploma nursing program located in the northeast part of the United States and consisted of a sample of 10 senior-level students selected through purposive sampling. Interviews, observations, focus groups and journaling were used to collect data to answer the research question, “What is the lived experience of diploma program nursing students caring for a hospice patient who is actively dying and their family in a simulation?” Thematic analysis was completed utilizing Braun and Clarke’s (2006) method. MAXQDA was utilized to assist in data organization and analysis. Findings for this study included: Navigating the complexities of end-of-life care, nurse’s role in facilitating spiritual care, centrality of family, and preparedness for EOL care. Based on these results, it is recommended that more research studies be formulated comparing strategies for teaching EOL care, such as addition of simulation, for stronger education. Further recommendations include more overall research on diploma nursing students, the general need for more EOL education guidelines, organizational support for bolstered EOL nursing education, and for overall nursing role and scope clarity for EOL patient care.

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