Helping Nursing Assistants Deal with Death and Dying

Nursing Assistants are a distinct group of people who are committed to providing the best possible care. They frequently go above and beyond to provide patients and their families with comfort. Dealing with the harsh reality of dying and death can be extremely difficult for Nursing Assistants. While a patient is dying, the Nursing Assistant can assist in making the process more bearable for the patient. Nursing Assistants should be aware of the following signs of death: loss of muscle tone, slowing of circulation, changes in breathing, and blurred vision.

Nursing Assistants are a distinct group of people who are committed to providing the best possible care to patients. They work very hard to ensure that their basic needs are met. They frequently go above and beyond to provide patients and their families with comfort. They are taught to work hard, multitask, and help Nurses with any type of emergency that may arise on any given day. Their goal, however, is to make others feel better. Dealing with the harsh reality of dying and death can be extremely difficult for Nursing Assistants, particularly those who are new to the profession.

Dealing with the issue of death and dying is relevant in any field of medicine. Working in a critical care or elderly care facility makes it even more common. This should be carefully considered before a Nursing Assistant accepts a position in such a facility.

Because everyone perceives death differently, a Nursing Assistant will be exposed to a variety of situations during this time, both with the patient and with their family members. Praying and possibly figures from their Church will be present for those who are extremely religious. Others are afraid of dying and fight for every last breath to stay alive. Respecting the patient's and family's wishes is critical during the dying and death process.

Some Nursing Assistants are distressed when they have to deal with dying and death. They believe they did not sign up for this. They want to assist others. Nursing Assistants, on the other hand, can be a great source of comfort and compassion for patients and their families in their final hours. Make every effort to keep the patient comfortable. Their mouths frequently become extremely dry. Even if they don't appear to be coherent, keep offering them sips of water or ice chips. If your lips start to crack, apply Chap Stick or Vaseline to prevent soreness.

Caring for dying patients necessitates recalling details about them prior to their illness. For example, if a patient requests to be turned frequently due to pain, continue to rotate how they are laying. Pay attention to their body temperature and make necessary adjustments to bedding, air conditioning, and heating. Because a person often becomes cold in the hours before death, it is critical to keep them as comfortable as possible.

Nursing Assistants should be aware of the following signs of death: loss of muscle tone, slowing of circulation, changes in breathing, and blurred vision. It is critical that the Nursing Assistant document such changes in the patient's chart and notify the charge Nurse as soon as possible.

While a patient is dying, the Nursing Assistant can assist in making the process more bearable for the patient. To alleviate pain, adequate pain medications should be administered as needed. Play music that the patient enjoys. Consider reading a favorite book or Bible passages to them. They may require additional comfort, such as someone holding their hand at times. This position can be filled by a Nursing Assistant. 

Nursing Assistants frequently rely on one another to help ease the burden of the situation. Many employers also provide counseling services if you believe it is necessary after dealing with the death and dying of one of your patients. It is common to develop attachments to patients you care for on a regular basis. Your employer is well aware of this and will want to assist you in feeling more comfortable in your role as a Nursing Assistant.