THE PSYCHOLOGICAL EXPERIENCE OF HOSPICE WORKERS DURING ENCOUNTERS WITH DEATH

While the nature of their experience is unknown, hospice workers may unconsciously strive for encounters with death as a way of healing themselves and preparing for death. The purpose of this case study was to explore the psychological experience of hospice workers, whose repeated encounters with death may affect their own psyche. The study integrated psycho-biographical and hermeneutic methods. Personal growth was conceptually defined as a process of turning inward and integration of personal experiences into a larger reality. The elements supporting personal growth were present in 53 to 88% of the 17 hospice workers of the sample. The emerging themes were interconnectedness, suffering and sacrifice, and birth and rebirth. Caring to the dying becomes practice for one's own death and a form of renewal in the life of the hospice workers.