Nursing’s Role in the Nutritional Care of the Terminally Ill: Weathering the Storm

SUMMARY

The role of the nurse in nutritional care of the terminally ill is first, to come to terms with personal, psychological, and moral and ethical issues surrounding nutrition and hydration on an individual level; and second, to enter into a partnership with the patient and family and guide them through the storm of emotions and questions using a framework based on principles of ethics, crisis intervention, and effective communication. The nurse’s ability to be present with the patient and family during this time is his/her primary tool as the nurse helps them maintain wellness and equilibrium.

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Notes on contributors

Catherine M. Maurer Baack

Catherine M. Maurer Baack, MS, RN, is Clinical Nurse Specialist at Hospice at Riverside, Columbus, OH.