When stress becomes a burden: Caring for chronically ill and dying people from the carers’ perspective in relation to their own health

Caring for and supporting people with chronic illnesses and those who are dying places a heavy burden on carers. This can affect the health of nursing staff. Due to changing family structures, the increasing age of the population and improved medical options, the nature of work in the nursing profession is also changing. The establishment of palliative care units is necessary to support chronically ill and dying patients, given the rise in chronic conditions such as cancer. This raises the question of how carers, who are constantly faced with significant professional pressures, can maintain their health and professional resilience. Health education and health promotion in hospitals are important aspects of this, as is the salutogenic mindset of the nursing staff themselves.