TABLE 3.

What Nurses Liked About ICU Doulas

Themes (No. of Responses)	Specific Examples
Soothing/relaxing for patient (14) and nurse (1)	Her voice was soothing, and her words were calming
	The tone was very soothing. She took the time to explain what was going on to the patient which is not always something we are good about doing. It provides something that is hard to do when we are busy
	Soothing, relaxed the patient and me, reassured the patient
Positive/compassionate conversation focused on patient (10)	I loved she was telling him he is safe and he has a support system
	I liked how positive the conversation was
Explaining the situation/re-orienting patient in terms patient can understand (8)	The doula talking to the patient at the patients level
	It is extra reassurance for the patient, and they take the time to re-explain what is going on
	I think it is great to take time to have therapeutic communication at the bedside
	Explained what was going on in terms that patient could understand
Additional support by another team member to off load this task when nursing is busy (4)	Patients in these circumstances need more personal interaction. Very nice to see
	Great to have someone in the room with time only dedicated to visit with the patient especially on busy shifts
	It felt good to have the support of another team member talking to the patient and re-orienting her
Patient appreciated and enjoyed it (2)	Patient did not have any visitors all day and appeared to enjoy talking with someone
	Very calming effect—could tell patient enjoyed the doula
Allows to complete other tasks (2)	Took the time to sit down with my vented patient to explain things. Helped me as the Registered Nurse get things done
New ideas on how to better verbalize care and why for nurses (1)	Gives me ideas about how to better verbalize the cares I do and why they are happening