Loss of a Parent: A Phenomenological Exploration on the Lived Experiences of Nursing Students

Abstract

AbstrakKehilangan orang tua merupakan pengalaman yang mendalam dan transformatif bagi mahasiswa keperawatan, yang harus menghadapi tuntutan akademik dan klinis sambil mengolah duka pribadi. Penelitian kualitatif fenomenologis ini bertujuan mengeksplorasi pengalaman hidup mahasiswa keperawatan yang kehilangan orang tua selama studi. Metode purposive sampling digunakan untuk merekrut lima partisipan dari Universitas Advent Indonesia. Data dikumpulkan melalui wawancara semi-terstruktur dan dianalisis dengan metode fenomenologis deskriptif Colaizzi (1978). Hasil penelitian mengungkap enam tema utama: dampak awal berupa syok dan kesedihan mendalam; lanskap emosional yang kompleks dan terus berkembang; transformasi identitas dan persepsi diri; pengaruh terhadap performa akademik dan praktik klinis; mekanisme koping dan sistem dukungan; serta pembentukan makna dan pertumbuhan pascatrauma. Dukungan formal dari institusi pendidikan ditemukan sangat minim, sehingga mahasiswa cenderung mengandalkan dukungan informal dari keluarga, teman, dan keyakinan spiritual. Studi ini merekomendasikan perlunya pengembangan sistem dukungan kelembagaan yang terstruktur dan sensitif terhadap duka untuk mendukung ketahanan serta perkembangan profesional mahasiswa. AbstractLosing a parent is a profound and transformative experience for nursing students, who must navigate academic and clinical demands while processing personal grief. This qualitative phenomenological study aims to explore the lived experiences of nursing students who have lost a parent during their education. Purposive sampling was used to recruit five participants from Universitas Advent Indonesia. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi’s (1978) descriptive phenomenological method. The findings revealed six major themes: initial impact of shock and overwhelming grief; complex and evolving emotional landscape; transformation of identity and self-perception; impact on academic performance and clinical practice; coping mechanisms and support systems; and meaning-making and post-traumatic growth. Formal institutional support was notably lacking, with students relying heavily on informal support from family, peers, and spiritual faith. The study recommends the development of structured, grief-sensitive institutional support systems to foster student resilience and professional growth.