Caring for Appalachians With Intravenous Drug Use–Associated Infective Endocarditis at End of Life

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of nurses caring for patients with intravenous drug use–associated infective endocarditis at the end of life in Appalachia. This study was a secondary analysis of 9 phenomenological unstructured interviews conducted by the author with nurses as part of a study exploring their lived experiences caring for this population. Data were analyzed using van Manen's 6-step approach. The analysis revealed 5 themes: (1) care at the end of life as a resolve to care for lost causes, (2) care at the end of life as an act of courageous communication, (3) care at the end of life as a resolve to endure chaos, (4) care at the end of life as a resolve to protect self and others, and (5) care at the end of life as a resolve to carry on and let go. Nurses perceived patients who use injection drugs as being at the end of life with eventual death. Patients with recurrent infective endocarditis from drug use are viewed as lost causes. To empower nurses, they need to be at the table of surgical decision making. Communication being one of a nurse's greatest tools, end-of-life communication education is needed. Administrative support should be a standard to safeguard nurses when dealing with emotionally challenging situations.