Loss, grief, and dying are all difficult aspects of the natural cycle of human life, and there are many factors to consider for each of these aspects. Every culture and individual has its own views about and response to death, grief, and dying, and it is important to keep this in mind when providing sensitive and competent nursing care.
There are many types of loss, namely actual, perceived, anticipatory, and situational loss. Individuals can also experience loss of self-aspect, their familiar environment, loved ones, external objects, or developmental loss.
Grief is a natural response to loss, and it can be accompanied by various physiological and psychosocial manifestations. Different responses of grief include normal, anticipatory, disenfranchised, and complicated grief, as well as bereavement. The five most common stages of grief are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
Death and dying are inevitable and natural end-points of human life. As a nurse, the various aspects to consider when caring for a dying patient are as follows: legal, ethical, spiritual, biological, and psychological. It is important to note that death and dying will invoke an emotional response in the patient, their family and friends, and the caregivers. It is also important to maintain and respect the rights of the dying patient. After death, respect needs to be maintained for the body of the deceased, their family's bereavement, and the cultural or religious beliefs of the patient and their family.
It is also important to be aware that the death of a patient can also be difficult for nurses, and that the appropriate support should be sought to maintain mental health as a nurse.