Date of Award

5-28-2020

Document Type

Restricted Access Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Lisa VanGetson APRN, DNP, FNP-C

Second Advisor

Susan Cutshall APRN, DNP, CNS

Third Advisor

Joyce P. Miller DNP, RN

Abstract

Caregiving can have a profound impact on those providing end-of-life care for family members and loved ones. For both hospice patients and their caregivers, the difficult circumstances present at the end of life may be detrimental without adequate support and resources. A holistic approach is required to meet these individuals􏰀 physical, psychosocial, emotional, and spiritual needs. Reiki training is a safe, cost-effective intervention that can be used to manage distressing symptoms and the physical and emotional challenges patients and caregivers experience during the end of life. Reiki training can also be used to enhance the positive aspects of the caregiving role. The theoretical concepts in Margaret Newman􏰀s Theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness guided the use of Reiki within the realm of hospice care. The first step of this scholarly project included an evaluation of the practice of Reiki, perceived barriers, and the feasibility of a Reiki training program through the experience of professional hospice caregivers and Reiki practitioners. The Reiki practitioners helped to validate the findings in the literature regarding Reiki practice and establish a connection to hospice care. Both the professional hospice caregivers and Reiki practitioners found Reiki training to be an effective and feasible intervention for informal caregivers to provide at the end of life. However, the professional hospice caregivers identified cost and lack of understanding of Reiki as potential barriers to implementing a Reiki training program in the hospice care setting. As healthcare resources continue to decline, identifying new and unique ways to improve practice approaches will become the hallmark of advanced nursing practice. Through the delivery of holistic care and interventions, the integrative family nurse practitioner can help improve the outcomes for hospice patients and their informal caregivers throughout the dying process.

Identifier

SC 11.DNP.2020.Haberman.J

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