When the patient dies: helping the family and staff to cope.

1. Death of a family member or significant other is a traumatic experience for the survivors. Their psychological needs may be overlooked due to the discomfort of staff in dealing with matters related to death. 2. The nurse who has unresolved feelings concerning loss may lose control as well as lose professional effectiveness. 3. Failure by the nurse to recognize the dynamics of grief and attempts to prematurely end grieving can lead to serious consequences for survivors. Nurses who are aware of the needs of grieving persons can help to facilitate the process, cushion the trauma of loss, and set the basis for a healthy grieving process.