Resiliency among hospice care workers: A phenomenological study on the experience of compassionate giving

The purpose of this study was to determine what characteristics a resilient hospice worker may have and how resiliency may be developed. This was a phenomenological study that captured the lived experiences of hospice managers and directors. The phenomenological methodology was selected to obtain insight on how hospice workers perform their jobs on a daily basis when repeatedly faced with trauma from the perspective of hospice managers and directors. The theoretical foundations included the constructivist self-development theory and Jean Watson's theory of human caring. Research has shown the constructivist self-development theory is based on that continued exposure to trauma may have an altering effect on a person. Jean Watson's theory of human caring focused on the relationship between nurses and their patients, as shown by research. This study included ten participants. A total of five separate hospice organizations were represented. Each organization is available to provide care to urban and rural communities. Seven of the participants were from an office in an urban community. Three of the participants were from an office in a rural community. The interview questions were selected to gain insight that would help answer the initial research question. As a result, the findings identified five primary themes. These themes included (a) encourage, (b) educate, (c) involvement, (d) work, and (e) personal. From the information obtained from the interviews, leadership is a key factor in having resilient hospice workers. The implications for this study may include less employee turnover, healthier employees, and a better work environment.