THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DEATH-RELATED EXPERIENCES, DEATH ANXIETY, AND PATIENT CARE ATTITUDES AMONG AIDS NURSING STAFF

A questionnaire was completed by 197 nurses working in AIDS care facilities to examine the experiences and attitudes of AIDS nursing staff. Correlations (Pearson r) showed a statistically significant relationship between personal death-related experience and death anxiety and attitudes toward dying patients. CNAs reported higher death anxiety scores and rated the negative aspects of caring for dying patients higher than did licensed practical nurses and registered nurses. The evidence supports the development of appropriate training and support programs in death and dying issues that are tailored to meet the needs of different levels of nursing staff in AIDS care facilities.