Keywords

caring, community, decision-making, end-of-life, faith-based community, Haitian Americans, nursing, process model

 

Authors

  1. Ladd, Susan Charlotte
  2. Gordon, Shirley C.

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article presents two models resulting from a grounded theory study of the end-of-life decision-making process for Haitian Americans. Successful access to this vulnerable population was achieved through the faith-based community. The first model describes this faith-based community of Haitian Americans. The second model describes the process used by families in this community who must make end-of-life healthcare decisions. Implications for nursing practice and caring science include a need to improve the congruence between the nursing care provided at this vulnerable time and the cultural values of a population.