Listening may be one of the most important things you can do for a resident who is dying. Pay attention to these conversations.
Do not babble or act especially cheerful or sad. Be professional.
Nursing Assistant Skill Scenario: Caring for People Who Are Dying: Signs of Death
Our nursing assistant online class instructor gives us the following scenario. . .
You are a hospice home health nursing assistant caring for Georgia, who is dying from breast cancer that has metastasized to the bones in her spine. She is kept free of pain with large doses of morphine given rectally by her husband.
Today, you are to bathe Georgia, help her dress, and change her bed linens.
In the chart below:
- Write one sign of impending death that you may observe while caring for Georgia
- Name at least one comfort measure you can provide for her.
Response
Here are my responses to the scenario. . .
Write one sign of impending death that you may observe while caring for Georgia
Cold, pale skin.
Name at least one comfort measure you can provide for her.
If Georgia wants to talk I will listen to her carefully and I would not offer any advice and not make any judgmental comments.