3 Posts
You can also show you care by preparing their loved one's body for their viewing in a mindful manner (i.e. cleaning face, providing pillow, blanket, making a hand exposed for holding, etc.) , providing chairs and tissues, telling them that touching is okay, explaining why the et tube has to stay in place if it's a ME case, preparing family regarding the et tube, whatever before the viewing, being present in the room - esp. if person is alone, explaining all you did to try and revive person, providing list of numbers for greif counseling (most local hospices have groups, therapists, referrals).... If you have time, just being present is very valuable. do the best you can and remember that it is a privaledge and a solemn thing to do service for people who may be experiencing one the saddest moments in their life.
6,255 Posts
I agree w/previous posters ... this is difficult for you right now because dealing with death "routinely" is not something that is part of most people's life experience unless/until they work in health care.
I personally say a silent prayer for patients who pass away, but you'd never know it -- I do it as I'm cleaning up a room, charting, making a phone call, or even joking with co-workers.
You'll find your own way with this.
NotReady4PrimeTime, RN
5 Articles; 7,358 Posts
If you've had no previous contact with a family, no one expects you to be any more sympathetic than anyone else would be. It's perfectly fine to just gently touch their arm on the way out of the room and say "I'm very sorry for your loss". And then leave. There is no way for you to know how the people were related to the deceased, or what kind of relationships they had, so there's no point in making too much of it. They aren't going to remember you personally anyway, just as one of the bodies in the room.