I Wonder What Could Happen If….

I was imagining the other day what would happen if registered nurses, licensed practical nurse, and care aides were to receive along with their health care training some training that helped them create self-care practices and developed their awareness around dying, death and grief.

I wondered if they would be less likely to fatigue and require sick leave. I wondered if they would be less likely to resort to alcohol or drugs to self-medicate. I wondered if they would be healthier and happier in their careers. I wondered if the patients they provide care for would have even better patient experiences.

I wondered what it would be like for the administration team, the cooks, the technicians, and the janitors to have an opportunity to learn the same skills and have the same knowledge about dying and death because they see it too. I wonder if our health care environments  would be a kinder and gentler place if this type of training were made available.

The training program, Alive in Death Training for Healthcare Providers was created last year as an answer to challenges many health care professionals are facing when it comes to dealing with the dying and death of their patients. The eight module online program is self-paced, affordable, and supportive of your colleagues need for great self-care practices. Here is a list of the modules you can view at www.aliveindeath.com :

• Module One – Self Care and Personal Grief
• Module Two – Our Culture’s Approach to Death
• Module Three – Other Cultures Do Death Differently
• Module Four – How We Die
• Module Five – Having Those Difficult Conversations
• With Medical Staff and With Patients and Families
• Module Six – Active Dying and Great Good-byes
• Module Seven – Difficult Deaths
• Less Common Types of Death
• Sudden Death, Suicide, Murder, Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Abortion
• Module Eight – Self Evaluation Questionnaire Personal Beliefs and Experiences with Death

I would love to chat with you about the suitability of this unique program for the continuing education requirements for your LPNs.

Warmly and with gratitude

Stephen Garrett, MA

Death Educator