The Phenomenon of End-of-Life Dreams and Visions Through the Eyes of Nurses

Dados Bibliográficos

ID13627592
AutoresSherilyn L Herron (0009-0009-6689-6966, University of Massachusetts Amherst, autor correspondente), Pamela Aselton (University of Massachusetts Amherst), Raeann LeBlanc (0000-0001-5244-359X, Amherst College), Raeann G Leblanc (University of Massachusetts Amherst)
Ano2025
Páginas302228251403836-302228251403836
Data de publicação2025-11-26
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoOMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0030-2228 • E-ISSN: 1541-3764
EditoraSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00302228251403836
PMID41292346
OpenAlexW4416725606
IdiomaEN
Referências citadas15

This article presents findings from a qualitative phenomenological study exploring the lived experience of nurses who have witnessed end-of-life dreams and visions (ELDVs) of dying patients. Using Seidman's Three-Interview Series, conducted asynchronously via email, eight nurses from Western Massachusetts contributed six comprehensive and two partial experiential accounts. The study revealed that witnessing these deathbed phenomena was a profound experience, often accompanied by feelings of awe, humility, and a deep sense of privilege. Participants described themselves as guides during the dying process, providing emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families. Though ELDVs have been recorded for centuries, nurses often remain hesitant to share their experiences due to the lingering taboo surrounding the topic, fueled by fears of judgment and the risk of their experiences being minimized, invalidated, or dismissed

Experiential learning · Feeling · Interpretative phenomenological analysis · Phenomenological method · Phenomenon · Qualitative research · Taboo · Vision · Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health · Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues · Paranormal Experiences and Beliefs