What Dying Really Looks Like: Hospice Nurse Julie Explains the Final Days cover art

What Dying Really Looks Like: Hospice Nurse Julie Explains the Final Days

What Dying Really Looks Like: Hospice Nurse Julie Explains the Final Days

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 In this episode of SHE MD, Mary Alice Haney and Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi sit down with Hospice Nurse Julie, a hospice and palliative care nurse who has supported thousands of patients and families at the end of life. Together, they gently explore what dying actually looks like, both physically and emotionally, and how understanding the process can help reduce fear.Julie explains common signs seen in the final days, including terminal lucidity, changes in breathing, the “death rattle,” and decreased awareness, helping listeners understand that many of these experiences are natural and not signs of suffering. They discuss terminal agitation, how hospice teams manage comfort, and the thoughtful use of medications like morphine.The conversation also emphasizes the importance of end of life planning, including advance directives, family conversations, and making wishes known to reduce guilt and conflict later. Julie shares how her work has changed the way she lives, encouraging presence, gratitude, and honest conversations about mortality. This episode offers comfort, clarity, and reassurance for anyone caring for a loved one, facing serious illness, or simply wanting to approach death with less fear and more understanding.Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PCOS, Endometriosis, fertility, and hormonal balance. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.Sponsors:Ka’Chava - Stick with your wellness goals. Go to kachava.com and use code SHEMD for 15% offPeloton - Let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push, and go. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com ButcherBox - As an exclusive offer, new listeners can get their choice between organic ground beef, chicken breast or ground turkey in every box for a year, PLUS $20 off when you go to ButcherBox.com/SHEMD Talkiatry: Head to Talkiatry.com/shemd and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in‑network psychiatrist in just a few minutesWhat You’ll Learn:How hospice care works and when it’s appropriateWhat terminal lucidity is and why it happensWhat the “death rattle” is and why it usually does not indicate sufferingHow hospice manages comfort, pain, and terminal agitationWhy advance directives and end of life planning matter for familiesHow talking about death can reduce fear and guiltHow working with dying patients can change the way we liveKey Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to hospice care and why understanding death reduces fear06:25 What does hospice really mean and when is it appropriate10:00 What is terminal lucidity and why do some patients suddenly rally11:30 Julie’s journey as a nurse14:40 The difference between dying in the ICU and in hospice19:30 The stages of dying21:50 What actually happens during the actively dying phase39:10 Explanation of “visioning”42:30 What causes the death rattle and is the patient suffering48:50 When is morphine used and is it always necessary50:00 What is terminal agitation and how is it managed53:00 How can families prepare emotionally and practically for end of life01:00:25 How working with dying patients changes the way you live01:07:10 Advice for someone who is scared they are dying01:09:30 Is hospice covered by insurance and Medicare01:10:30) Final reflections on making death less frightening and more meaningfulKey Takeaways:Many physical changes at the end of life are natural and not signs of sufferingComfort, dignity, and presence are the core goals of hospice carePlanning ahead helps families feel confident and united in difficult momentsBeing present with a loved one can be more meaningful than trying to control every detailUnderstanding death can help us live more fully and with deeper gratitudeGuest Bio:Julie McFadden, RN, is the bestselling author of Nothing to Fear and a hospice/palliative care nurse with more than fifteen years of experience. Passionate about normalizing death and dying, she has more than one million followers on TikTok as @hospicenursejulie. She has been featured in Newsweek, Time, USA Today, and The Atlantic, and has appeared on Dr. Phil Primetime, Howie Mandel Does Stuff, and elsewhere.Links:Hospice Nurse Julie Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/hospicenursejulieWebsite: https://www.hospicenursejulie.comNothing to Fear Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/734126/nothing-to-fear-by-julie-mcfadden-rn/Nothing to Fear Journal: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/777758/the-nothing-to-fear-journal-by-julie-mcfadden-rn/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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