Submitted by: Mark Lustin

As a certified nursing assistant, you will end up working around death at some point and you may feel completely off guard when it happens. If you work with seniors and the critically ill, it s far more likely that you will see death first hand, but even in places like small clinics, hospitals and children s ward, you may have to deal with death. It s important to know how to work with this aspect: understand the signs of impending death, help the person die comfortably and then help out the family after.}

It s going to be hard to prepare for any death, but shielding yourself a bit with the fact that you have to take notes may help. Knowledge of when death is coming is important so that you can keep a close eye on things in case you are needed. Signs of death are a drop in body temperature, sudden blurry vision, changes in breathing, loss of muscle tone and slowed circulation. Make sure to note down these changes on the patient s charts for your supervisor.

The other role of a CNA will be to help the patient die with dignity. At this point, if a patient asks for something, it s important to do your best to get it. This may be things like food, people, music, or simple company. You should also be prepared for an onslaught of potential emotions including fear, anger, sorrow, peace, resignation, and stress. The whole process must be done with compassion and understanding.

Don t imagine for a minute that death is only hard on the family; it will be rough on you too. Most nursing assistants will need counselling and support even while they support the dying. If you have been working with the patient for a while, it is not easy to suddenly find that hole in your work day and feeling depressed and empty for a while after is normal. Talking things out will help you mourn in a healthy fashion and still manage the rest of your life in a sane fashion.

You should prepare yourself as best you can for the idea that you will be dealing with death. It is stressful and will make you run through a gamut of emotions, but it can also be strangely rewarding to help people die with dignity and peace. Learn how to handle the death aspect of your job so that you can continue working and helping your patients to the best of your abilities.

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