Withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment is a process in which active treatment and the accompanying technology are removed, ending in the death of the patient.
To understand the lived experience of critical care nurses who care for patients during the process of withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment.
A phenomenological study was undertaken and interviews were conducted with six critical care nurses.
The essence of this experience was described by these nurses as "trying to do the right thing". Three major themes emerged: A journey--creating comfort along the way, working in professional angst, and providing memories.