STRUGGLING WITH THE FRAGILITY OF LIFE: A RELATIONAL-NARRATIVE APPROACH TO ETHICS IN PALLIATIVE NURSING, 2005

In nursing ethics, the role of narrative and dialogue has become more prominent in recent years. The aim of this article is to illuminate the relational-narrative approach to ethics in the context of palliative nursing. The case study presented concerns the difficult relationship between oncology nurses and a husband whose wife was hospitalised for cancer. The husband's narrative reflects depression, social isolation and loss of hope. He found no meaning in the process of dying and death. The oncology nurses were unable to recognise his emotional and existential problems. A narrative perspective inspired by relational ethics indicates that participants can develop a relational narrative that seeks the good for all involved in the situation. In palliative nursing, this means open communication about the fragility of life and impending death.