How often do you engage with or witness death in your work? How has this experience or the lack of it shaped your view of death? Has it gotten easier or harder for you to accept the fact of death? As you explain, include your clinical specialty. FYI… my specialty is geriatric/ long term care facility Purchase the answer to view it

Title: Examining the Experiences of Death in the Field of Geriatric/Long-Term Care

Introduction:

The subject of death in the field of healthcare is a complex and multifaceted topic that requires careful analysis. As a specialist in geriatric and long-term care, I regularly engage with death and witness its impact on individuals, families, and the broader healthcare system. This paper aims to explore the frequency with which death is encountered in my clinical specialty, examine how such encounters shape my view of death, and evaluate whether the frequency of exposure makes it easier or harder for me to accept the fact of death.

Frequency of Death Encounters in Geriatric/Long-Term Care:

Geriatric and long-term care settings are unique environments where death is both anticipated and common. The residents in these facilities are often older and may have multiple chronic health conditions, increasing the likelihood of facing death. Despite this, the precise frequency with which I engage with or witness death varies depending on numerous factors, including the specific facility, resident population, and the nature of the position held.

In my experience, the frequency of death encounters differs based on the roles within the geriatric/long-term care facility. For physicians and advanced practice nurses, interaction with death may be less frequent compared to nursing staff or palliative care specialists. These healthcare providers are typically involved in the overall care coordination and treatment planning processes, which may not directly involve managing end-of-life care. However, they are still exposed to the eventual demise of residents throughout their careers due to the long-term nature of care in these facilities.

Conversely, nursing staff members often interact more frequently with death due to their direct and continuous involvement in resident care. Nurses play an integral role in providing comfort, addressing physical and emotional needs, and supporting families during the end-of-life journey. Consequently, they are more likely to witness the dying process and experience multiple deaths over time.

Shaping My View of Death:

These encounters with death have fundamentally shaped my view of this inevitable reality. Initially, witnessing death and its impacts on individuals, families, and healthcare providers was a daunting and emotionally challenging experience. It exposed the fragility of life, highlighting the profound impact of death on both the dying individual and those left behind.

However, as I continued to engage with death in my clinical specialty, my perspective evolved. The frequency of death encounters allowed me to develop a deeper understanding and acceptance of death as a natural part of life. This exposure has enabled me to recognize the complexities surrounding death and dying, fostering empathy and compassion towards individuals on their end-of-life journey.

Furthermore, the multidimensional nature of caring for older adults in geriatric/long-term care facilities has provided me with a unique lens for examining death. I have come to understand that death is not solely about the loss of life but also encompasses concepts such as dignity, quality of life, and the importance of holistic care. This holistic perspective has influenced my approach to patient care and highlighted the significance of providing comprehensive support not only during the end-of-life phase but throughout the entirety of a resident’s stay in the facility.

Acceptance of Death:

In examining the impact of death encounters on my acceptance of death, it is essential to differentiate between a clinical acceptance and a personal acceptance. Clinically, the frequency of death encounters has certainly made it easier for me to accept the fact of death. My experience in geriatric/long-term care has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to navigate end-of-life conversations, address emotional and spiritual needs, and support families during the grieving process. This clinical acceptance stems from the exposure and experience gained over time.

However, on a personal level, the acceptance of death remains a dynamic and individual process. While my clinical exposure has provided insights into the dying process, it does not negate the emotional and existential challenges inherent in accepting one’s mortality. Each encounter with death reminds me of my own mortality, prompting ongoing personal contemplation and reflection.

Conclusion:

In the field of geriatric/long-term care, encounters with death are frequent and often serve as catalysts for personal and professional growth. These experiences shape my view of death, leading to a deeper understanding and acceptance of the natural cycle of life. While exposure to death makes it clinically easier to accept, the personal acceptance of mortality remains an ongoing journey influenced by individual experiences and reflections. By acknowledging the complex realities of death in healthcare, professionals can enhance person-centered care, prioritize holistic support, and foster a culture of compassion and understanding.