The meaning of quality of life for nursing caregivers in an intensive care unit for adults

DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.2013374458463

Abstract

Quality of life of nursing caregivers who work in the ICU has been the focus of several studies in recent decades. This study
aimed to identify the meaning of quality of life given by nursing caregivers working in ICUs for adults. This was a descriptive
exploratory study with a qualitative approach. There were five central themes that gave direction to the meaning of
quality of life: QOL as biopsychosociospiritual welfare; time for family and social life; QOL related to leisure; professional
achievement as a source of QOL; and financial stability. The findings suggest that the meaning of quality of life is subjective,
because it depends on the importance of the factors that nursing caregivers attaches to their life, such as those related to
personal needs, resources and training materials for their job performance and professional achievement, as well as being
valued by means of economic stability.