Over my 15 years as an ICU nurse, I’ve seen hundreds of families confronted with the impossible task of facing their fears in real time. And while every fear is valid in the wake of losing a loved one, I can say with confidence that there is also great fear in the unknown.
Most often, I see this play out when a loved one loses the battle, and no one knows how best to respect their wishes. Did they want to become an organ, eye and tissue donor?
It’s the kind of conversation no one ever wants to have, until suddenly, they’re having it for the first time in a hospital room, adding anxiety and uncertainty to an already harrowing situation.
But that confusion can be avoided.
