Why you should read this article:

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To recognise that being open to the reality of death as part of life can assist nurses in being more attuned to the needs of those in their care who are dying

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To appreciate the importance of considering each individual’s symptoms and concerns through the lens of compassion when providing end of life care

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To understand that attending to one’s own needs is a core component of compassionate care and may strengthen nurses’ ability to care for others

The reality of death and dying is a central facet of life, often surrounded by feelings of sadness, fear and uncertainty. Nurses have an essential role in caring for people who are approaching the end of life and their families, while being mindful of the current demands and challenges in health and social care services. In this article, the author suggests that being more open to the reality of death as part of life may assist nurses in being more attuned to the personal needs of those who are dying. The article emphasises the importance of considering each person’s symptoms and concerns through the lens of compassion to address pain, fear and distress. While the focus is on caring for people who are approaching the end of life, the author asserts that there is much that nurses can learn from those they care for about the beauty of life and the naturalness of death.