correct terms

[nebrgirl]

Just a dumb question....but in medical settings is it more

"correct" to say "deceased" "passed away"

"expired" or "died". I realize all of those probably beat..."bought the farm" "kick the bucket" "checked out" etc. but of the above which is more correct?

Nebrgirl

[GOMER42]

You should say "died."

When someone dies, family have a hard time thinking straight. You need to speak clearly and concisely and leave the euphemisms at the door.

[iteachob, MSN, RN]

You should say "died."

When someone dies, family have a hard time thinking straight. You need to speak clearly and concisely and leave the euphemisms at the door.

This is so true....when my ex-husband died, the home health nurse called me (he had me listed as next of kin) to let me know. First she introduced herself, which didn't seem strange because my ex had previously had a case manager discuss his situation with me (post-stroke). Then.....she said, "Dr. _______ has expired".....Huh? It just did not compute for a few seconds. Then, it dawned on me that she was telling me he had died.

Yes, I believe just saying "died" is the best thing to do.