When working in palliative I found humor worked best for me. We all know why everyone is there right?! He definitely needs to work through it but maybe by watching his interactions you could see what type of humor he has and go from there.I know it may sound flippant but it always worked for me, especially with the super cranky ones! Good luck.
i KNOW HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT BEING 'JUST AN LPN' THAT WAS ONE OF THE MAJOR REASONS WHY I HAD TO STOP FOR A WHILE. I WORKED IN PALLIATIVE CARE FOR 5 YEARS , LOVED IT, HATED THE LACK OF RESPECT FROM SOME OF THE 'HIGHER UPS' I'M SURE YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB, NOT EASY TO DO. KEEP YOUR CHIN UP:)