When Care Meets Loss: A Phenomenological Study on the First Patient Death Experience Among Third- and Fourth-Year Nursing Students in Clinical Practice

This descriptive phenomenological study explored how 15 third- and fourth-year nursing students at Capitol University experienced their first patient death in clinical practice, focusing on their perceived emotional, psychological, and professional development. Participants were recruited through purposive snowball sampling and engaged in semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Data analysis via Colaizzi’s method revealed six key themes detailing an initial reaction of shock, fear, and unpreparedness; intrusive memories and lingering emotional impressions; self-doubt; tension between personal grief and professional duties; coping and finding meaning through peer support and reflection; and eventual acceptance and professional growth. Ultimately, the experience built resilience and strengthened commitment to nursing practice. The study supports enhancing formal death education and post-event clinical debriefing, while acknowledging that findings are context-specific and do not establish causal effects.