Table 2 Themes and subthemes for undergraduate nursing students’ experiences of palliative care in the Intensive Care Unit

Self-perception while providing care for terminal ill patients

Have self-esteem and realize that they are valuable for patients

Sympathize with and feel sorry for patients about their suffering

Accept the death and feel glad when patients are released from suffering

Have self-control and do not share feelings with patients and families

Providing care for terminal ill patients with respect in the patients’ dignity

Providing culturally sensitive holistic humanized care

Treating patients as if they are family members and provide opportunities for final goodbyes for the families

Protecting terminal ill patients’ rights and telling them the truth

Having good relationships and encouraging patients and their families