Almost normal: experiences of adolescents with implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of adolescents with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).

DESIGN AND

METHODS

This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of 14 adolescents with ICDs using face-to-face, semistructured interviews.

RESULTS

Six themes were identified: life interrupted; still the same, except; sometimes it's tough; it cuts both ways; unique joule; and living life regular.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: These findings suggest that nurses could make a significant impact on the lives of adolescents with ICDs by focusing their efforts away from viewing the adolescent through an illness lens and more toward a normalization lens.