Exploring the Dreams of Hospice Workers

Authors

Shirley A. Hess, Shippensburg University of PennsylvaniaFollow
Sarah Knox, Marquette UniversityFollow
Clara E. Hill, University of MarylandFollow
Tara Byers, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Patricia Spangler, Unified Services University of the Health SciencesFollow

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

6 p.

Publication Date

6-2014

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Source Publication

American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Medicine

Source ISSN

1049-9091

Abstract

Nine adults who worked at least 1 year with patients at US hospice centers completed an in-person audiotaped dream session focusing on a dream about a patient. Data were analyzed using consensual qualitative research. Patients were generally manifestly present in participants’ dreams, and dreams were typically realistic (ie, not bizarre). In the dream, the dreamer typically interacted with the patient as a caretaker but was also typically frustrated by an inability to help as fully as desired. Dreams gave dreamers insight into the stress of hospice work, their own fears of death, and inter-/intrapersonal interactions beyond hospice work. Dreamers generally sought to take better care of themselves and find balance in their lives after the dream session. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Comments

Accepted version. American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Medicine, Vol. 31, No. 4 (June 2014): 374-379. DOI. © 2014 SAGE Publications. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Hess, Shirley A.; Knox, Sarah; Hill, Clara E.; Byers, Tara; and Spangler, Patricia, "Exploring the Dreams of Hospice Workers" (2014). College of Education Faculty Research and Publications. 349.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/edu_fac/349