Pediatric Palliative Care and Hospice: Final Weeks, Days, and Hours

1. Caring for the Dying Child

This chapter reviews the dying process in children, including the differences and similarities to the adult process. Every death is unique, just as every labor and birth is unique. Some common physical signs and symptoms of the dying process are discussed in this chapter. It is important for the nurse to know what signs and symptoms the child may have to be well prepared to address them, and to guide and support the family.

2. Supporting the Role of the Parent

This chapter discusses the importance of the parent’s role in the dying process. In death, as in life, parents are generally the child’s main comfort. The nurse’s role is to guide and support the parents and the child. This support must include respect of the parent's knowledge, culture, and communication style. The death of a child is quite possibly the hardest experience parents will have in their lives, so nurses should learn how best to support and guide them.

3. Caring for Siblings

Siblings of dying children often feel left out as their parents struggle to care for the dying child. This chapter discusses how palliative care nurses can support the parents in their interactions with the siblings. Additionally, Jody goes over how the nurse can reach out to the siblings (with parent permission) and provide important connections that can be very helpful.

4. Building Resiliency for the Clinician

Although fulfilling, caring for children can be emotionally taxing, especially when death and sickness are involved. This chapter discusses ways nurses can grow in resiliency to stay healthy and continue to provide well-balanced care. These skills are essential for nurses who strive to maintain their own emotional well-being while providing quality care.