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19: Grief and Loss

DOI:

10.1891/9780826119742.0019

Abstract

Hospice and palliative care nurses work at the nexus of life and death on a daily basis. A thorough understanding of the features of grief and grief theories fosters therapeutic communication and the implementation of effective grief support. This chapter discusses the grief and bereavement experienced by patients and their families, along with appropriate support interventions. It helps nurses to identify typical and atypical grief reactions, assess grief responses in families, and provide age-appropriate grief and bereavement support. Hospice and palliative care nurses must be adept at identifying grief and providing support along with the interdisciplinary team. Patients facing death often experience denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Family grief is influenced by the relationship between the patient and each of the family members. Grief in children is manifested according to age and developmental level. After the patient's death, bereavement care should be offered for at least 12 months.