Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to identify appropriate situations for use of verbal and non-verbal communication when communicating at end of life.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to identify the importance of silence and ways to incorporate it into communication at end of life.
By focusing on communication, both verbally, nonverbally and through use of silence, patients, families and staff can feel more at ease with the dying process. Nurses are taught to build rapport, be advocates for patients and provide information when sometimes all that one needs is a minute to pause and reflect. Silence is a difficult skill to master (Himelstein, 2003). Silence is a form of communication that brings an entire room of strangers together. It allows everyone to listen. Silence makes patients, families and staff aware of surroundings and allows all to focus in on what is truly important.
A project was designed to raise awareness regarding end of life communication. Included in the education is: education of nursing staff about communication techniques most appropriate in end of life care, pairing inexperienced staff with a mentor caring for a patient at end of life to observe therapeutic end of life communication and providing information about dealing with emotions when communicating at end of life for staff. Through education and awareness, improvements are being made to enhance the end of life experience for patients, families, and staff.