Keywords

acceptance, end of life, facilitated communication, human becoming, nursing

 

Authors

  1. McLeod-Sordjan, Renee DNP, RN, FNP-BC

Abstract

Acceptance is a human experience inextricably intertwined with end-of-life decisions. There is a paucity of research that describes communication patterns among nurses, patients, and caregivers during palliative discussions. However, a successful outcome of communication strategies during shared decisions is an enhanced understanding of patient's lived experiences. The Parse theory of human becoming was used as a framework to acquire knowledge about acceptance and its connection to death and quality of life. The theory of human becoming is then discussed as a theoretical framework to inform future nursing practice and research regarding facilitated communication with low-English proficiency Hispanic patients at end of life. The purpose of this article was to bridge the theory-to-practice gap in palliative care.