Grief and Bereavement

Abstract

Abstract Patients, family caregivers, and palliative care advanced practice registered nurses themselves will experience grief and bereavement throughout a palliative care encounter. Palliative care nurses will encounter a myriad of grief-related experiences, including loss of independence and functioning, role strain or changes, disruption in relationships, and the death of an individual. To expertly manage grief and bereavement, the advanced practice nurse should understand common terms including loss, grief, and bereavement; be able to identify normal grief from complicated bereavement; know when to refer patients for psychiatric services; and employ strategies for self-care. This chapter provides a review of grief theories, essential assessment components, and strategies for supportive counseling and mental health referrals.