How Do Nurses Cope With Death

Learning coping mechanisms to deal with the sadness of losing a particular patient will help you to continue working and caring for those who rely on your expertise and compassion. Nurses learn how to physically care for dying patients, how to help them emotionally, and how to work with their loved ones as they deal with their own pain. Death is a real and frequent visitor for most of us throughout nursing careers.


The death of a patient is a harsh reality in nursing. Learning to deal with it and knowing what to expect is a necessary part of the job. The passing of a favorite patient can impact their personal lives and influence the care they provide for their entire career.


As compassionate professionals, nurses are used expecting improved outcomes, but they are rarely prepared for the demise of a patient. After all, being mentally prepared to handle repeated loss will help them be a better nurse.


Here are some tips to help nurses:

  • Avoid signing up for extra shifts unless you feel it would serve as a good distraction. Take breaks as necessary to deal with waves of emotion.

  • Remind yourself that you offered the best care that you could for the patient and that certain things are out of your control. Do not blame yourself for a patient's death.

  • Let your co-workers know what's happening if you feel comfortable. They can support you and understand if you feel overwhelmed.

  • Alleviate the stress from the ordeal by getting adequate sleep, exercising and eating nutritiously after your shift.

  • Share your condolences if the family sets up an online obituary through the funeral home. Express your condolences to family members of the patient.

  • Speak to a clergy member if it would give you more comfort. Pray or meditate if you seek a sense of spirituality or a way to clear your mind.

  • Remember that your role while you're at home is as a family member, not a nurse. Resist the responsibility that other family members may try to put on you because of your profession.


The bond that develops between a nurse and her patient can be strong because patients often rely on their nurses for physical and emotional support in order to deal with their affliction. As you become a more experienced nurse and grow in the profession, you will find your own way of dealing with the death of patients and will learn how best to help families cope with their loss and grief.

 

 

 

 


     

     


 Published at: 07/07/2015