Death Notification

[guest042302019, BSN, RN]

In the nursing home, I'm around a fair amount of death. I notify the family regularly but sometimes, I wonder if I'm doing so correctly. I haven't found "guidelines" for this. I would say something like this:

" Hello. May I speak with Mrs. Doe. My name is Andrew Craig. I'm a nurse here at such n such nursing home. I'm sorry to inform you that Mr. Doe has died at [time]. Pause... We usually call the nursing home for the family and make arrangements. Is that what you would like me to do? Is there any special instructions you have for Mr. Doe or the funeral home? I'm sorry again. Take care."

I try to convey compassion and care when I call. I was just wondering if I could improve the notification. I imagine people remember my call for the remainder of their life. I don't want to make a negative impression or experience for the family. Any suggestions?

[litbitblack, ASN, RN]

Maybe say has passed away instead of has died. Otherwise it sounds ok.

[chrisrn24]

In LTC most people, from my experience, are somewhat expecting your call. Its not like a 30 year old dad of two kids died, its typically a. 93 year old grandma of 20. That said, my "script" is basically yours.

Eta - passed away is better.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

I disagree.....die is die. Passed away is feeble....might as well say "Grandpa Joe shuffled off his mortal coil."

I remember the days when the MD was the one who had to call the family. Many a nurse was reprimanded for calling the family. Mind you, these were the same nurses who had cared for the resident day in and day out and had a relationship with the family....

[*LadyJane*]

I find that the family member wants to know some details, like was s/he sleeping/comfortable/well-medicated, etc. as reassurance that they had a peaceful death. I expect them to ask that, and to tell them. I also use "passed away", just because it seems kinder to the family than "died". They are also of the age group that this is the term that they use.

[guest042302019, BSN, RN]

Thanks for advice. I use died because its not ambiguous like "passed away or he/she is gone"

[chrisrn24]

Thanks for advice. I use died because its not ambiguous like "passed away or he/she is gone"

"Gone" is different but passed away is not ambiguous. Where would they have passed otherwise? I agree that it is kinder to say passed away...in this scenario.

If you're calling to say someone died unexpectedly (like in the hospital or a police officer telling someone that their son died in a car accident) the use of "die" there to me is different. Passed away to me means they died peacefully in bed, not tore up in an accident or burned, for example. Most elderly people pass away quietly.

[systoly]

giving details such as quietly or peacefully passed on is excellent and

if staff was present, that they were not alone

perhaps ask the family if they would like to say goodbye at the facility

before transport

choice of words depends on the family, their religion, etc.

if it is an unexpected event i'll say something like

im very sorry, i have some terrible news, would you like to sit down

[jenrak]

I would say, Your grandmother pased away peacefully at this time.. You can also add that she didn't struggle or experience any discomfort. If a staff was there when she died tell them that. I heard that the saddest part is when you go without anyone beside you and this is really common in the resthome. That is why when I have a palliative patient I instruct my staff to check or stay with the patient if they have time or If observe that she may die tonight I inform the family and they can come to accompany her.