The lived experiences of ex-emergency nurses who transfer from the emergency department to a palliative community setting

Abstract

Background: Transitions can significantly affect a nurse’s identity, role, and relationships (Ashley et al., 2016), yet in Malta, such shifts remain under-researched. This study addresses this gap by exploring the factors influencing these career moves and experiences of nurses undergoing this transition. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of nurses who transitioned from Emergency Care (EC) to Palliative Care (PC), identify the internal and external factors influencing this shift. Design: A qualitative research design was adopted using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to capture the depth and complexity of participants’ lived experiences. Method: Participants were recruited through purposive sampling. Repeat semi-structured interviews were conducted with four participants who had previously worked in Malta’s public emergency department (ED) and had since taken on roles within community-based palliative care. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analysed following IPA principles. Results: Three superordinate themes emerged: “Motivators and Catalysts for Change,” “Attitudes Towards Death and Dying,” and “Growth and Transformation.” Conclusion: The transition from EC to PC was both challenging and transformative, driven by emotional strain in ED and the appeal of meaningful, well-supported work in PC. The study calls for better emotional support in EC and greater awareness of PC, recommending enhanced mentoring, peer support, and mental health resources to aid future transitions.