ABSTRACT
Objective
Identify the social, spiritual and ethical implications that have the death process and die for nursing students.
Methodology
A qualitative approach, of a descriptive character. Sample comprised of 19 fifth-year nursing students. The data collected were submitted to content analysis precepts, analyzed in the light of the principles of bioethics and related to the Theory of the Peaceful End of Life, by Ruland and Moore.
Results
Social implications are mainly related to experiences and the family approach, the spiritual meaning is linked to the transcendence of the spirit with an explanation that people are composed of a biological body that ends with death, and the stories about ethical implications show the importance of humanized care and the meaning of a dignified death.
Conclusion and implications for practice
Self-reflection about the meaning of death and its process, helps the student to respect the values and beliefs of the patient and his family regarding the process of finitude, and thus the dignified care. It is highlighted the nursing education process in relation to ethical aspects and the end of life.
Keywords:
Attitude to Death; Nursing Education; Hospital Care; Ethics Nursing