Post Mortem Care

Flare, ASN, BSN · May 23, 2012

I tend to think that post mortem care is one of those things that is either easy or not easy - there is very little middle ground there. It's hard to change a person's perceptions on the delicate balance of life and death - there are those of us that view death as a part of the life cycle - and caring for a body after one has completed their time on earth is a special task. There are those that cannot bear to think about that all important last step - that find the aspect of death too sad or uncomfortable. Neither idea is right. Some people will just need a helping hand - some people would rather go it alone.

I think that as long as a person is getting the task done respectfully and treating the body with dignity, then they can do whatever helps them get through the task.

NutmeggeRN, BSN · May 23, 2012

I agree with Flare, respect is the bottom line. You need to think about how you would want a loved one treated. I think if there is a real hang up for someone, it should done by someone who will be able to do it with grace and dignity.

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · May 23, 2012

I treat the person with dignity and respect no matter what. But at the same time I dont think of them as human. It was learned in my cadaver lab. It was the easiest way to cope.

dudette10, MSN, RN · May 23, 2012

I've done it only once, and I volunteered to do it. I treated the body with the same respect I would a living patient, and it didn't bother me one bit. Why? I don't have a clue. There was no psychological coping mechanism I used for my duties; I just wasn't bothered at all.

But I had a very strong feeling (not the right word...something else would be better, I just can't think of it) that the essence of the person was gone. It's almost like the energy field that normally surrounds a living person was no longer there.

Yes, I used "energy field" for all the Watson-haters out there. But, it really is the best phrase to describe what I felt was gone.

NurseKate16 · May 24, 2012

I too treat them with the same respect as I would if they are living and simply care for them how I would want my family members to be treated if they had passed away. I might feel a little sad but never have lost my composure and I simply see it as another part of the job and I take it very seriously.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · May 24, 2012

I've performed post-mortem care several times, and it's never really bothered me. The most recent was on a little boy that I had taken care of extensively for months prior to his death. While it was certainly difficult to see him pass away, and I did shed a few tears, I actually really enjoyed being the one to spend that time with him, remove his tubes, get him cleaned up, dressed, and presented to his parents. Making him look his best, and seeing how peaceful he looked when I was finished, was an experience that really helped with my grieving process. I know how lovingly he was looked after, even after his death and I, and his family, take comfort in that.

When I perform post-mortem care, I am very gentle, and I talk to the patient as well. I explain what I am doing and tell them how nice they look- even though they can't hear me. (I also ask the family if they would like to help with the care, and I think that how I interact with their loved one helps model for them, and shows them that the nursing staff cared about their family member.)

That being said, I know there are people who are not comfortable with post-mortem care, whatever the reason may be. I don't fault them at all for that and there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. I've offered to help with or perform care for them in the past if I know they are uncomfortable.