A hospice nurse from Los Angeles, California has shared the poignant words that many individuals express before they pass away. Julie, a devoted nurse in end-of-life care, has been using social media to educate people about the sensitive subject of death. Her TikTok account, @hospicenursejulie, is followed by a staggering 1.3 million individuals who are eager to gain insights from her experiences.
Hospice care is a specialized form of healthcare that focuses on enhancing the quality of life for terminally ill patients by addressing their emotional and spiritual needs. Julie finds fulfillment in supporting patients and their families, providing education about death and dying, and helping them understand what to expect during the final stages of life.
In one of her TikTok videos, posted in 2021, Julie shared unique observations about common experiences that individuals go through as they near the end of their lives. These experiences, while seemingly unusual, are actually quite typical. Changes in breathing, shifts in skin color, terminal secretions, and fevers are all common occurrences during this stage.
Julie also revealed a touching aspect of these final moments. Before passing away, many people express their love to those around them, often saying “I love you.” It is not uncommon for individuals to call out to their deceased parents, seeking comfort in their presence.
It is important to note that every person’s journey towards death is unique, and it is challenging to generalize a single experience. However, Julie emphasized that patients who die from natural causes often exhibit similar symptoms during the “actively dying phase.” Consciousness may shift, breathing patterns may change, and physical signs such as mottling and terminal secretions may appear. Julie reassures that these symptoms are normal and not painful or uncomfortable. Our bodies have a way of taking care of themselves in the final moments of life, and intervening less is often the best approach.
Julie also addresses common misconceptions about hospices. Contrary to popular belief, not everyone in hospice care passes away immediately. Additionally, the use of morphine does not hasten death, as some may think. Hospices are designed to provide comfort and support to patients during their final stages, ensuring they can spend their remaining time with dignity and peace.
Through her compassionate work and dedicated online presence, Julie aims to offer solace to those facing end-of-life experiences. She hopes to debunk myths surrounding hospice care while shedding light on the profound moments that individuals have before their passing.
