As healthcare workers we go into this profession to help take care of others, providing the highest level of quality care, promoting health and well-being. There will be a time that you will encounter End-of-life issues. As nursing assistants and even myself as a nurse we must confront our own feelings and fears about death to be able to help our patients and families. Death is a natural part of the life cycle. Many of us do not like to think about the loss of our loved ones, but it is a phase we all come to pass throughout time. This time is different for each patient and their families and you will help to provide the appropriate care with dignity and autonomous wishes for your patients.
The end-of-life care can become very burdensome to some families involving medical tasks, communicating with the doctors, decision making for a process they are not ready to deal with and just the grief of facing loss. As certified nursing assistants, you will provide invaluable care and comfort showing empathy and giving each patient the dignity they deserve. Some of you may say “I cannot do this”, but let me tell you. You will find the strength within and give the care as if it was your own family member. That sounds rough, but in reality, you need to face facts. My very first patient I will never forget, took care of her for bedtime and talked with her making her as comfortable as possible. Stepped out of the room to get something and when I went back, she had passed. Knowing that I made her last night of life comfortable was a good feeling. Throughout my 40 years of nursing, I have come across much happiness, but also much sadness for the ones that have died on my watch. I was grateful to be present and help them pass over with comfort and respect. Having this experience also helped me deal with the dying process of my own MOM. She died at the age of 48 at home in her own surroundings being taken care of by family and friends. I was so blessed to be able to give her the love and respect she so deserved at this time.
Some of you may have the opportunity to work with patients who are in Hospice and or palliative care. These areas focus on the terminally ill patients while attending to their emotional, spiritual needs and hopefully relieving some of their pain. You will have a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life while they are preparing for the end of their life. You may develop a relationship with your patient and understand who they are as individuals. Listening to their wants, needs and concerns at this time, being an advocate for your patient. Monitoring any changes in their condition and reporting promptly to your team leader. Here your role as a CNA is maintaining effective communication between your patients, families and the healthcare team.
With the bonds that you as a CNA create with your patients and their families you will develop the ability to provide empathetic support during this difficult period. You are providing emotional and physical support, providing reassurance and companionship through your presence. You are helping to enhance their quality of life in their final stages. By providing compassionate care you as a CNA are helping to alleviate physical discomfort through repositioning and giving the patients a sense of peace and well-being.
As Certified Nursing Assistants you will become an invaluable team member bringing immense compassion, empathy and skill to the bedside of your patients. Your involvement will go way beyond the physical component of care, emotional support and advocacy. You are making a difference for the patients to have peace, comfort, respect and care at the most critical point in their lives. Like nursing you will be known as the silent heroes who tirelessly ensure your patients receive the highest quality of care.
