The newly graduated nurse is assigned to his or her first dying patient.How can the nurse best prepare to care for this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When caring for patients experiencing grief,it is important for the nurse to assess his or her own emotional well-being and to understand his or her own feelings about death.The nurse who is aware of his or her own feelings will be less likely to place personal situations and values before those of the patient.Although coursework on death and dying may add to the nurse's knowledge base,it does not best prepare the nurse for caring for a dying patient.The death of a patient can raise many emotions.Being able to control one's own emotions is important;however,it is unlikely that the nurse would be able to do so if he or she has not first acknowledged his or her own feelings about death.The death of a loved one is not a prerequisite to caring for a dying patient.The experience of caring for a dying patient may help a nurse mature in dealing with loss,or it may bring up many negative emotions if complicated grief is present.

The Newly Graduated Nurse Is Assigned to His or Her