Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
Vol. 46 No. 5 May 2008
Perceptions of Survivors of Loss by Homicide: Opportunities for Nursing Practice
Beverly Baliko, RN, PhD; and Inez Tuck, RN, PhD
ABSTRACT
Ten adult family members of homicide victims were recruited to participate in interviews describing their experiences related to the loss of their loved ones. A phenomenological approach was used to guide data collection and analysis, resulting in the identification of four major themes. Participants described intense emotional responses and grief complicated by the suddenness, violence, and intentionality of the homicide; engagement in activities that both buffered the emotional effects of the loss and helped them purposefully integrate it into their lives; the strengthening and dissolution of relationships; and a transformative, perpetually evolving post-homicide experience that was viewed as “healing” and that was influenced by many factors. Implications of these findings for research and nursing practice are discussed.
AUTHORS
Dr. Baliko is Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, and Dr. Tuck is Professor, School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity. This study was supported by an award from the Stokes Foundation Doctoral Fellowship, School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University.
Address correspondence to Beverly Baliko, RN, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of South Carolina College of Nursing, 1601 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208; e-mail: balikob@gwm.sc.edu.
Managing a Depressed and Suicidal Loved One at Home: Impact on the Family
Cheryl L. Nosek, RN, DNS
ABSTRACT
This qualitative study examined the process families use to care for a depressed and suicidal family member at home. The grounded theory method was used for data collection and analysis. Seventeen family members were interviewed. The data revealed the basic social process of Maintaining Vigilance Through Managing, which depicts an ongoing, cyclical process that begins at a point of not knowing. Family members then move on to identifying, then gaining awareness, followed by knowing or understanding. This allows them to take action, then to proceed to watching and waiting. They then return to gaining awareness armed with new knowledge or understanding. It is at this point that the process becomes cyclical. It varies in intensity over time, depending on the level of depression and the risk for suicide. To preserve the integrity of these families, nurses must help develop strategies to guide them through this process as they care for their depressed and suicidal loved one.
AUTHOR
Dr. Nosek is Associate Professor of Nursing, Department of Nursing, Daemen College, Amherst, New York.
The author discloses that she has no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity. This research was funded in part by a Sigma Theta Tau, Gamma Kappa Chapter research grant and by the Colletta Klug Memorial Health Research Award from the University at Buffalo, State University of New York.
The author acknowledges her dissertation committee: Chair, Dr. Mary Ann Jezewski, and Committee Members, Dr. Suzanne Dickerson and Dr. Thomas Frantz.
Address correspondence to Cheryl L. Nosek, RN, DNS, Associate Professor of Nursing, Department of Nursing, Daemen College, 4380 Main Street, Amherst, NY 14226; e-mail: cnosek@daemen.edu.
The Decision Making Process of Older Adults Who Elect to Receive ECT
Jody Amazon, DSc, APRN, BC, GNP/ANP; Elizabeth McNeely, PhD, APRN, BC, GNP; Sally Lehr, PhD, MN; and Martha G. Marquardt, RN, BSN, MSN, PhD
ABSTRACT
Although there is extensive literature on electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), little documentation exists about how an individual makes the decision to receive ECT. This phenomenological study is an exploratory examination of the decision making process of older adults with mental illness who elect to receive ECT. Study participants included 7 older adults without dementia from a suburban geriatric medicine/psychiatry practice who elected to receive ECT. The lived experience of decision making as perceived by these 7 participants was a process that moved them toward wellness. The data revealed four significant themes: Support, Trust, Past Experience, and Desperation. An overriding substantive theme identified as an obstacle was the Stigma of Mental Illness. This study provided a basis for planning clinical practice and building further research.
AUTHORS
Dr. Amazon is Nurse Practitioner and Co-Owner, Horizons Healthcare, LLC, Snellville, Dr. McNeely is Clinical Faculty, Medical College of Georgia, School of Nursing, Athens, Dr. Lehr is Clinical Associate Professor, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, and Dr. Marquardt is Dean of Health Sciences, Appalachian Technical College, Jasper, Georgia.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Jody Amazon, DSc, APRN, BC, GNP/ANP, Nurse Practitioner and Co-Owner, Horizons Healthcare, LLC, 2795 Main Street, Building #27, Snellville, GA 30078; e-mail: jamazon@bellsouth.net.
