Effects of patient death on certified nurse midwives

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of patient death on certified nurse midwives (CNMs) who were acting as primary caregivers. This study also identified methods used by the CNMs to cope with that death. The investigation was a descriptive study of seven CNMs who had experienced the death of a patient, a mother, or an infant. A semistructured interview was developed to answer the research questions. Twenty-three themes were identified that described the CNMs' experiences with patient death. These themes were organized into five major categories: (a) reactions to patient death, (b) factors that affect CNM reactions, (c) factors that facilitate resolution, (d) factors that hinder resolution, and (e) outcomes. The findings indicate that patient death is a difficult situation that many CNMs experience during their careers as health care providers. Because of these experiences, the CNMs identified methods of coping with their intense reactions after a patient's death. By describing the experiences these CNMs had with patient death, other health care providers may find assistance in coping with the deaths of their patients.