Death and Dyalysis - how to cope

 It is understandable to feel shock, dismay, and sadness after the death of a colleague, especially if they had complications with chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is important to remember that grief is a personal process, and there is no right or wrong way to feel.

Here are some tips for coping with the death of a colleague:

• Acknowledge your feelings. Allow yourself to feel the emotions that come up, whether they are sadness, anger, or confusion. It is important to process these emotions in order to begin to heal.

• Talk to someone you trust. Sharing your feelings with a friend, family member, or therapist can be helpful. Talking about your grief can help you to process it and begin to move forward.1

• Take care of yourself. Make sure to eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. Taking care of your physical health can help you to cope emotionally.

• Find support groups or online forums. Connecting with others who have experienced a similar loss can be helpful. Support groups and online forums can provide a safe space to share your feelings and receive support.

• Remember the good times. Focus on the positive memories you have of your colleague. Remembering the good times can help you to heal and move forward.

It is also important to remember that nurses are people too. They may be grieving the loss of a patient, even if they did not know them personally.2 Nurses are trained to provide compassionate care to patients and their families, but they are also human and may need time to grieve after a patient's death.3

Here are some tips for supporting nurses who are grieving the loss of a patient:

• Acknowledge their feelings. Let them know that it is okay to feel sad or upset.

• Offer your support. Let them know that you are there for them if they need anything.

• Give them time to grieve. Do not expect them to be back to their normal selves right away.

• Be patient. The grieving process takes time.

If you are a nurse who is grieving the loss of a patient, please know that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you cope with your grief. Talking to a therapist, joining a support group, or connecting with other nurses who have experienced a similar loss can be helpful.

Remember, it is important to take care of yourself and allow yourself time to heal.