Goal: To provide an overview of individuals with kidney failure and their experiences with restricted freedom, which brings distant connection, dependent autonomy, abnormal normalcy, and uncertain hope.
Objectives:
Discuss the emotional impact of kidney failure (end stage renal disease) on individuals with this disease.
Define "restrictive freedom."
Explain the experiences of kidney failure as a chronic and life-threatening illness as described by patients in this review.
Acknowledgements: The author thanks her doctoral committee, Dr. Laurene Sheilds (Supervisor), Dr. Anita Molzahn, Dr. Donna Trueit, and Dr. William Doll, for their helpful comments, feedback, and guidance in the preparation of this article. She would also like to thank Dr. Madeline Walker, Nursing Writing Scholar, for her feedback on this article.
Statement of Disclosure: The author reported no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this continuing nursing education activity.
