Doing taboo work: Nurses' experiences of caring for women having second trimester pregnancy terminations for fetal anomalies through labour induction

Nurses' experiences of caring for women having second trimester pregnancy terminations for fetal anomalies through labour induction are not well understood. Therefore, a phenomenological approach was used with the goal of interpreting and understanding the nurses' experiences. Eleven nurses, who cared for the women and the babies delivered as a result of the procedure, from three hospitals were interviewed.

Through the analytic process, Doing Taboo Work emerged as the primary and overarching theme of the meaning of the nurses' experiences. Although doing taboo work was fundamental to the meaning of the nurses' experiences, the meaning of their experiences also comprised four essential themes which were directly related to the overarching theme. These four essential themes were (a) Making Choices, (b) Being Pulled in Two Directions, (c) Being Given Token Bones, and (d) Riding an Emotional Roller Coaster.

Because the nurses perceived that caring for the women and babies was taboo they needed to make choices. They also discussed being pulled in two directions, voiced their concerns about being given token bones, and discussed the ups and downs of riding an emotional roller coaster. Yet, these nurses showed great resiliency by continuing to work with the women and babies. The reason that the nurses came to work each shift even realizing that their taboo work was "tough", "hard", "difficult", "sad", and "emotionally draining" was knowing that they can and do "make a difference." Once the nurses identified that they were able to "make a difference" for the women and babies they were able to find doing taboo work "rewarding", "gratifying", and "fulfilling."

The recommendations stemming from this study's findings for nursing administration and practice as well as nursing education are outlined. In addition, recommendations for future research are presented which may further expand our understanding of the themes and subthemes generated from this study.