Abstract

Aim.This paper introduces important points on nursing care of dying patients.

Background.Death is part of the human life process. Statistics show that the most common causes of death in America are cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Definition of death, nursing care for dying patients and its importance have been the focus of many studies.

Method.This paper reviews the subject death and dying patients, and introduces nursing care and ethical points to be considered for these patients.

Findings.Dying patients experience different stages from denial to acceptance, and caring these patients in physical and psychological aspects is the responsibility of nurses.

Conclusion.When caring dying patients, palliative care must be considered, because other interventions are no longer effective. This care begins from the time a life-threatening condition is diagnosed and continues to recovery or death and grieving.