I have been nursing for 10 years and I still cringe when a family member asks "how much longer will it take for them to die "
OR " do you know what time they will pass ? so you can call me and I'll come in and sit with them "
I always tell relatives that we do not know when someone will die .
We can only tell them if a persons condition is unstable or they are getting worse.
But they still ask again......can you tell me when ? how much longer ?
What can you say to these greiving people that will not sound calous ? but also get the message through?
I somtimes think they believe we have a crystal ball. :o