Life, Death, and the Last Words of Bystanders: Insights from a Hospice Nurse
Life and death are complex aspects of existence that often lead people to question whether they have lived them right. A hospice nurse shares what more than 100 people have expressed in their final moments, revealing some profound insights into what really matters in life.
Meet Sister Jackie
Jackie McFadden, a hospice nurse, has built a massive 2.5 million followers on her social media platforms, where she shares insightful reflections on her work and the patients she cares for. Nurse Jackie, who specializes in end-of-life care, uses her platform to help reduce the stigma surrounding death.
The importance of gratitude in life
Sister Jackie recently appeared on the *Disruptors* podcast discussing a moving ritual she performs with her residents. She encourages them to make a gratitude list each night. “I like being able to breathe and walk and feel the sunshine — simple things like that,” she explained. “The biggest thing I hear from people who are dying is that they wish they appreciated how good they felt before.”
Even nurses need a reminder.
Despite her daily reminders to patients, Nurse Jackie admits she sometimes takes life for granted. “My work makes it easy for me to see how everything in our bodies works together for life and growth, but I also see how our bodies are biologically designed to die,” she reflected.
Sister Jackie’s Book: A Guide to Coping with Death
In addition to sharing the final words of her patients, Sister Jackie has written a book called *Nothing to Fear* to help people prepare for the reality of death. She believes that understanding the dying process before experiencing it with a loved one can be incredibly valuable. “I believe people should know about the dying process before they go through it themselves or with a loved one,” she said.
Sister’s belief in the afterlife
Before becoming a hospice nurse, Jackie worked in an ICU where death is a common occurrence. Her extensive experience with patients nearing the end of life led her to the conclusion that life after death is real. This belief grew out of the many moments she witnessed when people took their last breath.
The challenges of American health care and dying well
Sister Jackie also highlighted some of the harsh realities of the US healthcare system, noting that having financial resources plays a significant role in dying with dignity. “It is unfortunate that many families, despite being dedicated to caring for a loved one in hospice, are often not qualified to provide such care,” she explained. “Financial stress can add to the burden and only those with significant wealth can afford such care.”
Recognizing the signs of impending death
As an end-of-life care expert, Nurse Jackie is well-versed in recognizing the signs that death is near. In a recent post on social media, she identified key indicators such as shortness of breath and noticeable color changes.
Other signs of impending death
According to VeryWellHealth, there are other signs that may indicate a loved one is nearing the end, including:
– Isolation
– Severe pain
– Excessive sleep or fatigue
– Loss of appetite
– Dehydration or loss of muscle control
– Nausea or vomiting
– confusion or delirium (restlessness, agitation or disorientation)
Emotional support during the loss
Nurse Jackie’s book provides valuable insights into coping with death and loss, but there are many other resources available for emotional support. Hospitals and doctors’ offices often host support meetings, and national hotlines like CaringInfo (800-658-8898) offer advice to those dealing with terminal illness or the loss of a loved one.
In conclusion, Sister Jackie’s perspective on life, death, and the final moments of bystanders offers a powerful reminder of what really matters. Through her work, she not only helps others navigate the complexities of dying but also sheds light on the importance of gratitude and emotional well-being during the final chapter of life. Her reflections on the wishes of those nearing the end highlight the value of appreciating the present moment and the simple joys of life.
Her book *Nothing to Fear* is a valuable resource for anyone facing the prospect of death, whether their own or a loved one’s. It offers guidance and helps prepare individuals for the inevitable, alleviating some of the fears and uncertainties surrounding death.
Sister Jackie’s belief in the afterlife and her experiences working in ICU and hospice care have shaped her perspective, and her work is a testament to the emotional complexities and challenges faced by both the dying and their loved ones.
In addition, Nurse Jackie’s advocacy for better access to end-of-life care highlights ongoing struggles within the US health care system, where financial resources often determine the quality of care. This harsh reality underscores the importance of ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their financial situation, have access to the care and dignity they deserve during their final moments.
Ultimately, Sister Jackie’s story is one of compassion, understanding, and recognition that death, while inevitable, is an important part of the human experience that deserves to be approached with respect, care, and preparation.
Through her work, she continues to offer comfort to those facing their final moments, and her message serves as a reminder to all of us to live with gratitude and awareness and cherish the fleeting moments we have.