End of Life and Spirituality
No matter what type of unit a nurse may end up working, they’re going to confront the matters of death, end of life issues, and Palliative Care. These are emotionally trying times for friends and families when death occurs. Caring can especially become difficult when either the patient or the family fixes their attention on the quantity rather than the quality of life. Trying to remain sensitive while protecting your own unsettled emotions can be a considerable burden and take a good deal of mental effort. It is important that a nurse be emotionally and spiritually ready to be a presence during those critical moments. Let’s hear your experiences with death and dying.
1. How do you approach family/caregivers when suggesting a different care/treatment plan (Full Code, DNR, or Palliative Care)?
2. Have you ever failed to respond to the patient’s or family's unique request or preference? If yes, what ended up happening and what could have you done differently?
3. In some situations a nurse is the one to first break the bad news to the family or caregiver, what do you say?
4. Is coping and caring at the same time possible? Explain.
5. Although you gave the best, most superior medical care ever, what was that true thing you think that really comforted the patient?
6. Recall a time when the atmosphere in the patient’s room was full of fear and trepidation, what do you try to do to ease the anxiety?
7. Whether young or old, when a patient is in the process of dying, what specific physical care do you try to provide?
8. How about spiritually and emotionally care?
9. What are your thoughts on sharing your beliefs with the patient or families concerning death and dying?
10. What statement do you make to comfort the family dealing with the imminent death of a loved one?
11. How do you comfort the family dealing with the unexpected death of a loved one?
12. The stages of anticipatory grief are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Which phase do you find to be most difficult for a nurse to treat and handle?
13. After death, what do you lead the family to do?
14. How do you feel after a difficult death or after losing a patient unexpectedly?
15. How do you overcome feelings of failure if such is the case?
16. How do you reconnect with your sense of healing?
17. What would you say to a nurse who states, “It’s too sad, I can’t continue on?”.
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