Ep. 417 Why Talking About Death Makes Us Uncomfortable with Julie McFadden, RN

I am thrilled to have Julie McFadden, RN, a hospice and palliative care nurse with over 15 years of experience, joining me today. 

Julie is committed to normalizing death and dying. In our conversation, we address common misconceptions surrounding hospice care and why discussions about death and dying make us feel uncomfortable. We explore the concept of death with dignity, emphasizing the importance of open, honest conversations around end-of-life issues, including advanced directives, living wills, and code status. We address the challenges of technology within traditional allopathic medicine, clarify what hospice truly is, and explain the ICU signs that indicate someone is close to the end of their life. We also share some practical tips for processing grief and uncomfortable feelings. 

This discussion with Julie McFadden is a must-listen for healthcare professionals as it is full of valuable insights. Her book, Nothing to Fear: Demystifying Death to Live More Fully, is also helpful as a resource for anyone navigating end-of-life concerns with loved ones or friends.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

• How hospice is all about providing comfort and quality of life
• The challenges associated with prolonging life in traditional allopathic medicine
• Why conversations about death and dying are essential
• How the medical system has changed the way we view death
• How hospice differs from palliative care
• Why patients should get informed about the progression of their disease and why their families must prepare for the end of their lives
• How advanced directives and living wills ensure that the wishes of patients are respected, and some examples of those directives
• How interventions can sometimes cause more harm than good
• Julie offers tips for processing grief and supporting others who are grieving.
• How clinicians can support one another when dealing with traumatic experiences

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

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Connect with Julie McFadden

• On her website 
• On TikTok, Instagram, YouTube