Perinatal loss has profound effects on mothers and families with rippling effects extending to the nurses who care for patients experiencing perinatal loss. Much of the focus regarding perinatal loss has been related to the impact on the parents. The recognition of perinatal loss as a significant grief event for nurses is relatively new. 

The purpose of this study was to gain further knowledge about nurses' experiences related to caring for patients dealing with perinatal loss; examine nurses' perceptions of their own comfort level and coping mechanisms; and, examine the relationship between the demographics and the emergent themes. Qualitative methods with narrative descriptive were used in this study to explore perinatal loss and its impact on the nurse. Purposeful sampling, as appropriate for naturalistic inquiry was used to recruit nurses who worked on a women’s care unit at a large acute care hospital in Western New York.

A total of 18 nurses participated in the study. The majority of the nurses (60%) had been nurses for 16 years or more. Approximately 40% of the nurses had worked in obstetrics for 16 years or more. Seventy percent of the nurses had provided care to parents experiencing a perinatal loss at least six times. The median age of the nurses was 46.9 years. Approximately 40% of the nurses surveyed had a BS, BSN, MS, or higher degree.

Data for this study were collected until saturation was reached. The data were analyzed from responses to an open-ended questionnaire using constant-comparative analysis to identify emergent themes. The emergent themes were audited by a Senior Research Scientist to ensure dependability. Transferability was established through purposeful sampling and using direct quotes to substantiate the emergent themes. During analysis, four themes emerged which included: 1) dealing with the emotions of self and others; 2) taking time to care for self; 3) nurses' need for support, and, 4) confidence in self. It was concluded that nurses face many emotions when dealing with perinatal loss; nurses need to take time for and care of themselves after a perinatal loss; nurses need support, education, and guidance after dealing with a perinatal loss; and, finally, nurses expressed confidence in their abilities to deal with a perinatal loss. The understanding of nurses' needs through this study has provided an opportunity to design educational programs and identify resources that will assist with emotional support for nurses who provide care to patients experiencing a perinatal loss.

Currently, staff debriefing following fetal death in utero (FDIU) has been implemented on the unit where the study took place. Staff members are encouraged to focus on and express their feelings regarding the FDIU. Future plans include implementing a journaling program so that nurses may express their feelings through writing. Additional considerations include: designing and implementing educational programs and resources regarding grief, promoting emotional support through voice in assignment, and mentors being assigned to inexperienced nurses. Future research includes interviewing additional nurses to confirm existing themes.