I think that the Nur 109 and health care community are ready to have the end of life conversation to some degree. There are critical criteria that need to be addressed, for a nurse to be competent in successfully executing the end of life conversation. One such approach revolves around family being present. 'The appropriate plan of care is based on the comprehensive interdisciplinary assessment of the patient and the family" (). If they do not wish for the family to be present, then that is fine, however, as the nurse, you are to allow the family to be present if they wish. …show more content…
When discussing end of life conversations, one is not entirely prepared.
Patients will be different and will require different means of accommodation. However, with experience in end of life discussions, there will be a better understanding and open-mindedness to the situation. "Timing of sensitive discussion takes experience, but speaking the truth can be a relief to patients and families, enhancing their autonomy by making way for truly informed consent as the basis for decision making"
(835).
If your patient was in denial about a diagnosis, how would you help them to accept the news? When should the RN discuss the end of life decision?