A compassionate hospice nurse hailing from Los Angeles, California, has unveiled the poignant sentiments that are often expressed by individuals nearing the end of their journey.
Known simply as Julie within her social media realm, this dedicated healthcare professional has been serving in the field of hospice care for several years. With a commitment to enlightening people about the subject of death, Julie has been utilizing platforms like TikTok, where she operates under the handle @hospicenursejulie, to extend her knowledge and insights to her extensive following of 1.3 million users.
In a candid conversation with The Sun, Julie shared her profound perspective on her profession, noting that she derives great fulfillment from guiding patients and their families through the intricacies of the dying process. “The best part about my job is educating patients and families about death and dying as well as supporting them emotionally and physically,” Julie expressed, emphasizing the significance of enhancing understanding and awareness of what to anticipate in the final stages of life.
@hospicenursejulie #greenscreenvideo death and dying education. these are NOT my patients and i have permission to show. #hospicenursejulie #caregivers #nursetok #hospicenurse #learnontiktok #healthcare #educationalpurposes
In a TikTok video posted back in 2021, the registered nurse outlined a series of common occurrences that transpire before an individual’s passing. She illuminated the seemingly unusual yet conventional changes that include alterations in breathing patterns, shifts in skin color, terminal secretions, and elevated body temperatures. Julie also shared with The Sun that it is customary for many individuals to convey sentiments of love, often murmuring “I love you” or reaching out to their deceased parents during their final moments.
Addressing the nuanced nature of the dying process, Julie acknowledged the distinctiveness of each individual’s experience, emphasizing that generalizations can only offer a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of human reactions during this poignant phase.
Intriguingly, the nurse delved into the transition of patients passing away from natural causes, describing the common symptoms that manifest during the “actively dying phase.” She revealed that alterations in consciousness, breathing patterns, mottling, and terminal secretions are characteristic of this phase, and importantly, she emphasized that these manifestations are not painful or uncomfortable. Julie stressed the innate wisdom of the human body as it navigates the twilight of existence, advocating for a less interventionist approach for a more serene passage.
Julie also debunked prevalent misconceptions about hospice care, dispelling myths such as the misconception that hospice is a place where everyone rapidly succumbs to their fate. She clarified that hospice is not the harbinger of accelerated demise and highlighted that notions like the belief that morphine hastens death are unfounded.
Amid her invaluable insights, Julie’s work serves as a beacon of understanding, guiding both patients and their loved ones with compassionate care and illuminating the often-misunderstood journey towards life’s inevitable conclusion.
