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Stages of Grief

Unit 6 Lesson 5

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Explain the stages of grief
Explain how the nurse's aide may assist in the grieving process

Student Learning Outcomes

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Grief and End-of-Life Care

Emotional reaction to loss
Crucial in end-of-life scenarios
Significance for Nurse’s Aide

Understanding grief assists in providing compassionate care

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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The Grief Process

Kubler-Ross Model

Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance

Grief is not linear
Stages may overlap or repeat

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Thinking Question

A family member of a terminally ill client is angry and vocal about their frustration with the care process. How should the nursing assistant respond?

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Denial Stage

Refusal to accept the situation
Supportive Actions

Provide a safe space
Avoid minimizing feelings

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

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Anger Stage

Directed towards self, others, or situation
Supportive Actions

Listen without judgment
Provide space for expression

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Bargaining Stage

Attempts to negotiate or change outcome
Supportive Actions

Facilitate access to spiritual support

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

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Depression Stage

Deep sadness, withdrawal from activities
Supportive Actions

Encourage engagement in activities
Report changes to nurse

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

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Critical Thinking Question

A client in the depression stage of grief shows signs of withdrawal and lack of interest in activities. What is the best action for the nursing assistant to take?

A) Encourage participation in activities they previously enjoyed.

B) Respect their wish to be alone and leave them be.

C) Suggest they focus on the positive aspects of their situation.

D) Inform them they need to socialize to feel better.

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Acceptance Stage

Recognition and acceptance of new reality
Supportive Actions

Validate plans and feelings
Focus on quality of life

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Assisting in the Grieving Process

Listen and support without judgment
Encourage involvement in care decisions
Coordinate with spiritual and mental health resources if needed

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Impact on Facility Residents and Staff

Grief affects entire community
Offer support groups or memorial services
Promote self-care among staff

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

Contact info: info@nursesinternational.org

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Critical Thinking Question

A client nearing the end of life expresses acceptance of their condition. How can the nursing assistant best support this client?

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References

Sandquist-Reuter, M. (2023). Nursing Assistant. WisTech Open. https://wtcs.pressbooks.pub/nurseassist/

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