"The last trip” : A literature-based study of nurse's experience of caring for the elderly in palliative care at the end of life in municipal activity

Background: Palliative care is required for patients with an illness that cannot be cured. Palliative care improves the quality of life for patients and their families when they are facing challenges associated with the illness, whether it is physical, psychological, social, or spiritual. The nurse's role in palliative care includes symptom relief, teamwork, communication and to establish relationships, as well as support relatives. Palliative care for the elderly is about making the last phase of life as livable as possible. Aim: The aim is to highlight the nurse's experiences of caring for elderly in palliative care at the end of life in municipal care. Method: The choice of method for the literature study to contribute to evidence-based nursing was based on analysis of qualitative research. Nine scientific articles were analysed according to Friberg’s five steps model. Results: Three main themes emerged: lack of collegial teamwork, a lack of security for the nurse, prerequisites for good palliative care. Six sub-themes were identified: working alone and the nurse's need for support, the need to collaborate in teams, lack of knowledge about palliative care of the elderly, lack of proper equipment, the nurse's supportive function, a caring relationship with the elderly and relatives.Conclusion: For nurses working in palliative care, support from colleagues was of great importance