In recent years, the field of nursing has undergone a significant transformation, particularly concerning the attitudes of nursing interns towards specialized care domains such as hospice care. A recent cross-sectional study conducted in Wuhu, China, sheds light on this subject by analyzing the attitudes and influencing factors of nursing interns towards hospice care. The study presents key insights that highlight the complexities of nursing students’ perceptions regarding end-of-life care, reflecting the broader societal attitudes towards this sensitive topic.
Nurse interns are at a crucial juncture in their careers, where their educational experiences shape their future practices and beliefs. The study by Yang and Zhou focuses on understanding these foundational attitudes that future healthcare providers will carry into their professional lives. It is essential to comprehend not only how nursing interns view hospice care but also the underlying factors that influence these perceptions. This aspect is particularly vital as the healthcare industry gradually shifts towards more compassionate, person-centered approaches in end-of-life care.
The findings from the study reveal that a significant proportion of nursing interns exhibit ambivalence towards hospice care. While some interns recognize the importance of hospice care in providing comfort and support to patients with terminal illnesses, others harbor misconceptions that hinder their willingness to engage with this specialty. These varied perceptions suggest that pre-service education may need to be enriched with more explicit discussions surrounding hospice care, aiming to elevate its recognition among nursing students as a vital component of patient care.
One noteworthy finding is the influence of personal experiences on the attitudes of nursing interns. Many participants reported that previous encounters with terminally ill family members or friends significantly shaped their views on hospice care. These experiences elicited emotional responses that might either bolster the interns’ commitment to providing compassionate care or instill fear and apprehension about end-of-life scenarios. Understanding these personal narratives can help educators and health organizations create a more supportive learning environment that addresses these emotional dimensions.
Furthermore, the study highlighted the role of education and training in affecting attitudes toward hospice care. Nursing interns who received formal training in palliative care tended to express more positive views on hospice services than those who did not. This correlation underscores the necessity for integrating palliative care curriculum elements into nursing programs, thus ensuring that future nurses are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide quality end-of-life care. Academic institutions need to explore innovative teaching methods that demystify hospice care and emphasize the benefits of such services for patients and their families.
Social and cultural factors were also identified as significant influencers of nursing interns’ attitudes towards hospice care. In Wuhu, societal beliefs about death and dying play a crucial role in shaping healthcare decisions. There exists a cultural milieu where open discussions about death are often avoided or stigmatized, impacting how young nurses perceive their responsibilities in providing end-of-life care. Addressing these societal and cultural challenges through educational initiatives could pave the way for more open dialogue regarding death, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to patients in hospice settings.
Additionally, the study revealed a clear disparity in attitudes based on gender as well. Female nursing interns expressed more empathy towards hospice care and a greater inclination to pursue careers in palliative nursing. This disparity draws attention to the necessity of addressing gender-based perceptions to ensure that all nursing students, regardless of gender, have equal opportunities to engage with hospice care. Engaging all interns equally and fostering an inclusive environment around palliative care education may help bridge this divide.
Moreover, peer influence emerged as a significant theme in shaping nursing interns’ attitudes. Interns who felt supported by their peers and mentors while discussing hospice care tended to be more optimistic and open toward the concept of end-of-life services. This finding suggests that mentorship programs and peer support systems should be emphasized within nursing education to foster healthier attitudes toward hospice care among nursing students. Incorporating collaborative learning approaches can nurture a sense of community among interns, where they feel safe to express their concerns and apprehensions about hospice care.
As healthcare continues to evolve, the emphasis on holistic and comprehensive patient care remains paramount. The study elucidates the necessity of preparing nursing interns to navigate the complexities of hospice care effectively. Future healthcare providers must be able to approach end-of-life care compassionately and knowledgeably, ensuring that patients are treated with dignity and respect throughout their final days. By addressing the influences that shape interns’ attitudes toward hospice care, educational institutions can produce well-rounded nursing professionals ready to enhance the quality of life for those facing terminal illnesses.
Another critical aspect that the study brings to light is the importance of public health campaigns in shaping societal attitudes towards hospice care. Community awareness initiatives could play an essential role in reducing misconceptions about hospice care and promoting a more favorable view of palliative services. Public campaigns can encourage discussions surrounding death and dying, helping to dismantle stigmas and foster a culture that embraces hospice care as a noble and vital aspect of healthcare.
The study underscores a broader movement within nursing to develop a workforce that exhibits empathy and understanding toward patients in need of hospice care. This aim requires not only enhanced educational practices but also systemic changes within healthcare policies that recognize the importance of training and resources dedicated to end-of-life care services. Collaboration among nursing schools, healthcare organizations, and community stakeholders can foster an integrated approach toward preparing interns to handle hospice care with sensitivity and professionalism.
In conclusion, the research conducted by Yang and Zhou highlights essential factors influencing nursing interns’ attitudes towards hospice care in Wuhu, China. By examining these attitudes and their determinants, we gain invaluable insights into the future landscape of nursing and end-of-life care. To cultivate a generation of compassionate healthcare providers, it is crucial to engage nursing students with reflective practices, supportive environments, and comprehensive education on hospice care. As the healthcare sector navigates challenges related to aging populations and increasing chronic diseases, enhancing understanding and appreciation for hospice care will be indispensable for delivering quality patient-centered services in the future.
Subject of Research: Nursing interns’ attitudes towards hospice care
Article Title: Attitudes and influencing factors of nursing interns towards hospice care in Wuhu, China: a cross-sectional study
Article References:
Yang, L., Zhou, Q. Attitudes and influencing factors of nursing interns towards hospice care in Wuhu, China: a cross-sectional study.
BMC Nurs 24, 1389 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-04024-6
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-04024-6
Keywords: Attitudes, Nursing Interns, Hospice Care, Palliative Care, Education, Wuhu, China, End-of-Life Care.
