Nursing Resilience and Compassion Fatigue

The way a person's attitude towards death shapes their experience with it, influenced by culture, society and individual beliefs.

The state of being legally and medically dead, usually determined by the irreversible cessation of brain activity.

The social and cultural practices surrounding death, including rituals, mourning, and memorialization.

The psychological experience of losing someone, including feelings of grief, sadness, and yearning.

A model of grief that proposes a series of stages a person may go through, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

A model of grief that includes two interconnected processes: loss-oriented (focusing on emotional pain and memories of the deceased) and restoration-oriented (focusing on adjusting to life without the deceased).

The period of emotional and social adjustment following the loss of a loved one.

The ways in which people express their grief through rituals, ceremonies, and traditions.

The process of understanding how death relates to life and its importance for human existence.

This principle emphasizes the influence of social factors, like poverty or access to healthcare, on how people experience death and grieve.

This principle stresses the interconnectedness of death and relationships, highlighting the emotional and spiritual experiences individuals undergo.

This principle underscores the significance of care networks for individuals facing death, offering support to both the dying and those involved in their care.

This principle emphasizes the importance of open conversations about death and dying, creating safe spaces for sharing personal experiences.

This principle highlights the intrinsic value of death, recognizing its role in shaping our understanding of life and its finite nature.

The shift from traditional family and community care to primarily healthcare systems taking charge of death and dying.

Continuing medical treatments, even when they are deemed pointless, in the final hours of life.

The gradual decline of family and community roles in the face of increasingly unfamiliar death experiences.

The overemphasis on clinical interventions at the end of life in developed and increasingly in developing countries.

The practice of burning human remains as a means of disposition.

The act of leaving a deceased body on a mountaintop for birds of prey to consume.

A funeral ceremony that celebrates the life of the deceased, often with hymns, speeches, and stories.

The cultural practice of wearing white instead of black at funerals, signifying a release of grief.

The act of disposing of deceased remains by placing them in a tomb or vault.

Practices used to delay or stop decomposition of a body before burial, such as mummification or embalming.

The belief that a person's spirit or essence continues to exist after death, often in a different realm.

The cultural customs and rituals observed surrounding the death of a person, involving mourning, memorialization, and burial practices.

The tendency to avoid discussing death openly, often considering it taboo or inappropriate.

The practice of burying a body at sea, common in coastal communities.

The practice of hanging a coffin in the woods, as a custom in some mountainous regions.

A ceremony or ritual conducted after death to honor the deceased and provide comfort to the bereaved.

The Indonesian culture where deceased loved ones are mummified and kept in homes for extended periods before a funeral.

The role of cultural values and beliefs in shaping how individuals view and experience death.

The importance of providing end-of-life care that acknowledges and respects a patient's cultural beliefs and traditions.

A comprehensive understanding of the beliefs and practices surrounding death within various religions and cultures.

Guidelines, behaviors, and expectations surrounding death that are specific to a particular community or group.

The importance of open and honest communication about death, despite societal taboos.

The practice of nurses providing individualised and culturally sensitive care to dying patients.

The belief that a person's spirit returns to life in a new body.

The idea that actions in this life have consequences in the next.

The belief that the soul is freed from the body after burial.

The practice of preparing a body for burial, usually by washing and shrouding it.

A young child's understanding of death as reversible and temporary.

A child's understanding of death as a punishment for their actions.

The ability to apply logic and reasoning to abstract concepts, including understanding death as final and universal.

The fear of death and the process of dying.

The process of grieving, expressing sadness, and honoring the memory of the deceased.

A sense of satisfaction with one's life and a peaceful acceptance of death.

The legal and medical definition of death, based on brain and circulatory functions.

The process of dying that involves physical decline and discomfort.

The irreversible cessation of all brain activity, including both the brainstem and cerebral cortex.

A leading critic of equating whole brain death with human death. He argues that patients diagnosed with whole brain death have survived in some cases and have stabilized long after the period accounted for by current literature.

A state where a patient is in a deep unconsciousness, but their brainstem remains active. The patient may breathe on their own, but cannot respond to stimuli.

The concept that death is not a single event but a process involving physiological, social, and psychological aspects.

The point in time when a patient may be considered legally and medically dead, typically when the brain ceases to function.

A common symptom near death characterized by gasping, labored breaths, and a change in the brainstem reflex.

Care focused on providing comfort and palliative support to patients who are terminally ill.

A common symptom observed in patients under hospice care, characterized by difficulty breathing, pain, restlessness, and loss of appetite.

The pooling of blood in the underside of the body, resulting in a discoloration resembling bruising.

A period of time when a person's vital functions continue, but they are not conscious or responsive.

The relationship between siblings, encompassing their unique bond, shared history, roles in the family, and mutual influence.

Grief experienced by a sibling after the loss of another sibling, often overlooked or underestimated.

A time when a child experiences a loss (death or caregiver departure) and may exhibit emotional and behavioral problems.

The intense emotions and behavioral challenges experienced by children who have lost a parent, grandparent, or sibling.

The grieving process after a predicted loss, allowing time for preparation and potentially easing the impact.

The experience of feeling guilt for surviving a traumatic event that others did not.

A type of grief characterized by intense preoccupation with the deceased, extreme bitterness, and difficulty adjusting to life without them.

Grief caused by loss other than death, often associated with trauma or abuse.

Support for children experiencing the death of a friend or classmate, focusing on reassurance and acknowledging their emotional responses.

The practice of actively seeking out and engaging with social support during grief.

The unique grief experienced by a spouse after the death of their partner.

The process of adapting to a new reality after losing a parent in midlife.

The challenges and adjustments faced by an adult coping with the loss of a parent.

The psychological, physical, and emotional experience and reaction to loss. Everyone experiences grief differently.

A theory describing five stages people may go through when grieving: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

A death that is characterized by a lack of pain and discomfort, respect for the dying person's preferences, emotional support for the dying person, and the ability to say goodbye to loved ones.

Empowering terminally ill individuals to identify and achieve their own goals of care, leading to a sense of control and autonomy.

Actions taken to address grief, such as seeking information, working to solve problems, and coping with emotions, generally leading to more positive outcomes.

Coping strategies focused on avoidance and distraction, often leading to more negative outcomes.

Caregivers promoting independence, control, and self-respect for the dying individual.

A death that is characterized by patient preferences being met, pain management, emotional well-being, family support, dignity and respect, feelings of life completion, spiritual comfort and maintained quality of life.

A state of overwhelming grief and pain experienced by parents after the death of their child, often considered the most devastating loss.

Experiencing a great amount of pain and sadness after losing a partner, often described as losing a part of oneself.

The process of adapting to the loss of a parent, which can be especially challenging for children who lack support and guidance.

Intense and multifaceted reactions following suicide, marked by a strong sense of shock, disbelief, and anger.

Feelings of guilt and responsibility that survivors may experience after a loved one's death, especially in cases of suicide.

The tendency for survivors to feel their actions could have prevented the death, leading to an ongoing search for answers and 'what ifs'.

The unique challenges faced by widows or widowers, including adjusting to a new life alone, managing household tasks, and coping with social isolation.

The tendency for survivors to avoid discussing their grief due to social stigma or fear of judgment, especially in the case of suicide.

The emotional journey of navigating grief following the loss of a child, marked by enduring sadness and the struggle to integrate the loss into life.

The act of keeping the memory of a deceased loved one alive through rituals, stories, and practices, helping with the healing process.

The importance of providing support and understanding to those who are grieving, especially young children who may be struggling to process the death of a parent.

The potential for positive growth after experiencing a difficult loss, such as an increased awareness of life's fragility, a deeper sense of empathy, and strengthened resilience.

The recognition that sometimes the death of a parent in later life can be considered a natural part of the life cycle, allowing for a more socially accepted grief process.

The importance of providing emotional and practical support to young children who have lost a parent, helping them adjust to the loss and cope with their grief.

A coping mechanism where the intensity of negative memories fades over time, helping individuals return to daily routines.

Kübler-Ross' model suggests that a person facing their own death might go through stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

The act of trying to negotiate a solution to avoid impending death or illness.

The initial shock and disbelief experienced shortly after a loss, acting as a buffer against overwhelming feelings.

Feelings of anger directed towards those who could not save a loved one, the world, or even God, as a way to cope with a loss.

The stage where a person deeply feels the weight of their loss, often experiencing sadness, withdrawal, and a sense of disconnect from the world.

The final stage of grief where individuals learn to live with the loss, incorporating it into their daily lives.

The idea that there is no one right way to grieve, and people experience grief in a diverse range of ways and timelines.

The outward expressions of grief can be contradictory. Individuals may want to move on but simultaneously be saddened by reminders of the deceased.

A cultural tendency to suppress or minimize grief, expecting individuals to grieve privately and quickly.

The conflict between the need to continue daily life and the lack of readiness to do so following a loss.

The understanding that grief is a lifelong process, with episodes triggered by reminders or new experiences.

The experience of feeling a sense of relief alongside feelings of regret and sorrow after a loss.

Compassion fatigue is the emotional exhaustion and reduced empathy experienced by healthcare professionals due to prolonged exposure to difficult situations and patient suffering.

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress. It can be triggered by workplace demands, lack of resources, interpersonal stressors, or work policies.

Self-care practices help healthcare professionals prevent compassion fatigue and burnout by addressing their emotional and physical well-being. They include activities like mindfulness, exercise, art, and spending time with loved ones.

Debriefing sessions provide a safe space for healthcare professionals to process emotional experiences and traumatic encounters. They often involve sharing feelings, thoughts, and reactions related to patient loss.

Employee assistance programs (EAPs) offer confidential counseling and support services to employees, addressing personal and work-related challenges. They can provide a safe space for nurses to discuss their grief and burnout.

The "A's" of Resilience - Attention, Acknowledgement, Affection, and Acceptance - are mindfulness techniques that promote self-awareness, compassion, and emotional well-being.

Attention involves paying attention to your own physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being. It encourages awareness of what you're grateful for and areas for improvement.

Acknowledgement encourages honest reflection on the difficult experiences you've witnessed as a healthcare professional. Acknowledging the pain of loss helps prevent emotional numbness and disassociation.

Affection involves treating yourself with kindness and warmth. This practice prevents self-criticism and bitterness, fostering self-compassion.

Acceptance encourages the ability to accept all aspects of yourself, including your strengths and weaknesses. It fosters peace and prevents self-judgment and a victim mentality.

The process of working through the pain of grief and adjusting to life without the deceased.

The shift from traditional family and community care to primarily healthcare systems taking charge of death and dying.

Continuing medical treatments, even when they are deemed pointless, in the final hours of life.

The gradual decline of family and community roles in the face of increasingly unfamiliar death experiences.

A form of euthanasia where a doctor provides medication to a terminally ill patient to end their own life, often with the patient's consent.

The practice of providing comfort and pain relief to patients throughout their illness, even while receiving treatment.

A program that provides comprehensive care to terminally ill patients, focusing on comfort, support, and helping the patient prepare for death.

An action taken to intentionally end a person's life, often at their request, to relieve suffering. It can be passive, like withholding food, or active, like administering a lethal dose of medication.

A state of law where individuals with terminal illness have the option to request and self-administer life-ending medication.

A state of law where a physician is allowed to prescribe medication that allows a patient to end their own life.

A legal framework allowing terminally-ill individuals to choose their own end-of-life care, including medication for physician-assisted suicide.

A system where the dying and their families receive emotional, physical, and spiritual support during the end-of-life process.

This model emphasizes that grieving individuals move back and forth between two orientations: loss-oriented, dealing with emotions and memories of the lost loved one, and restoration-oriented, adjusting to life without them.

Anger is a universal experience for those facing death, according to Kübler-Ross. It stems from the injustice of confronting mortality and the potential loss of time, love, and experiences.

While denial can be a defense mechanism, it can also hinder effective communication and treatment. It's crucial to find a balance between acknowledging the reality of death and embracing hope.

Acceptance in terminal illness involves coming to terms with one's mortality, not necessarily giving up hope. It signifies a shift in focus towards living fully in the time remaining.

Research suggests that optimism can be beneficial for coping with a terminal diagnosis and may even contribute to longevity. Maintaining a positive outlook, even amidst hardship, can be empowering.

The Yale Bereavement Study concluded that acceptance is often the most prevalent reaction to grief, while yearning is the most common negative feature. This contradicts the strict stages proposed by Kübler-Ross.

Kübler-Ross's work sparked crucial conversations about the needs and concerns of the dying, particularly those facing terminal illnesses. She highlighted the importance of honoring the dying person's wishes and ensuring they feel heard.

The concept of moving back and forth between grieving and preparing for life without the deceased is key in this model. It allows for a nuanced understanding of grief, which is not a linear process.

Loss-oriented grieving focuses on the emotional pain and memories of the deceased. It involves processing the loss, experiencing sadness, longing, and reminiscing.

Restoration-oriented grieving focuses on adapting to life without the deceased. It involves re-establishing roles and routines, creating new meaning, and finding purpose in the present.

Talking about the death can help survivors process the loss, remember the deceased in a positive way, and build community support. Maintaining open communication can prevent isolation.

Experiencing a range of emotions is normal during grief. Sadness, frustration, and even exhaustion are all part of the healing process. Suppressing emotions can hinder healing.

Caring for yourself and your family during grief includes physical and emotional well-being. It involves seeking support, prioritizing rest, engaging in healthy activities, and maintaining routines.

There is no single right way to grieve. Each individual's journey is unique and shaped by cultural, personal, and social factors. Respecting individual differences is essential in supporting grieving.

Hospice care is a specialized approach that focuses on providing comfort and support to terminally ill individuals and their families. It emphasizes relieving physical pain and addressing emotional, spiritual, and social needs.

Patients on hospice receive palliative care, which aims to improve the quality of life for people with serious illnesses. This includes symptom management, pain relief, and emotional support.

The average length of stay in hospice is less than 30 days, with many patients receiving care for less than a week. This is due to factors like insurance guidelines and late entry into hospice care.

A hospice care team typically consists of nurses, chaplains, grief counselors, and social workers. Family members may also play a significant role in providing care, especially in home hospice settings.

Dame Cicely Saunders, a British nurse, is considered the founder of the modern hospice movement. She recognized the profound suffering experienced by the dying and their families, and established the principles of holistic hospice care.

Saunders identified seven types of pain experienced by the dying and their families: physical, spiritual, intellectual, emotional, interpersonal, financial, and bureaucratic. Hospice care aims to alleviate these pains.

Cancer is the most common reason for hospice admission, followed by Alzheimer's and other dementia, heart disease, and other conditions. However, the percentage of patients with cancer diagnoses entering hospice has declined since 1998.

Cultural beliefs significantly influence attitudes toward hospice care. Some groups, like African-American families, may prefer continued medical treatment for their loved ones, while others, like Chinese-American families, may have different cultural perspectives on death and dying.

Death anxiety is a multifaceted experience that encompasses emotional, cognitive, and experiential components. Factors like age, gender, religiosity, and personal experiences with death can influence its intensity.

Nurses play a vital role in end-of-life care, providing comfort, managing symptoms, and supporting patients and their families. However, nurses may experience death anxiety and feel overwhelmed by the emotional and physical demands of their job.

Providing end-of-life care can be emotionally challenging for nurses, leading to feelings of grief, anxiety, and potential burnout. Self-care is essential for nurses to maintain their well-being and provide optimal care to patients and their families.

The fear of death is a universal human experience, but individuals often avoid confronting it or expressing their anxieties. This avoidance can have behavioral and emotional consequences, impacting relationships and overall well-being.

The attitude of nurses toward death can influence their level of empathy, the quality of care they provide, and their ability to cope with work-related stressors. Recognizing and addressing death anxiety is crucial for delivering optimal end-of-life care.

Nurses, despite their best intentions, may experience fears related to death that can negatively influence their attitudes toward providing end-of-life care. This may lead to feelings of inadequacy or failure, exacerbating death anxiety and potentially impacting care quality.

Healthcare settings are often the primary place where people die, particularly in developed countries. This shift away from traditional family and community care has resulted in a greater focus on medical interventions at the end of life.