Dundee Students reflect on mortality

Dundee Students reflect on mortality

Lynn Griffin, Lecturer at Dundee University writes about work to support nursing students to sensitively approach the subject of death and dying with patients and families...

We know that many health care professionals find it difficult to talk about death and dying and experience anxiety when trying to approach the subject with patients and their families. Inappropriate euphemisms and misleading language are often used, which is a reflection of society in general. Within the University of Dundee, we are keen to support nursing students to develop knowledge and skills which will enable them to approach the topic of death and dying with patients and their families, with sensitivity and confidence.

During April and May 2014, the School of Nursing and Midwifery’s third year nursing students have been undertaking their final theoretical modules prior to registering as graduate nurses in the autumn. The modules they are undertaking include Managing Complex Care in the Community and Skills and Practice. Both modules include an in-depth focus on palliative and end of life care, loss, grief and bereavement. The students also take part in a clinical simulation exercise which involves students developing their communication skills, with simulated patients, focusing on conversations about death and dying.

Whilst we were aware that the Awareness Week is planned for 12-18th May, we really wanted to ‘spread the word’ and, therefore, took the opportunity to run a small event, alongside the students’ theoretical block, a little earlier than the national dates. We arranged ‘pop up’ “Before I Die Walls…” located in our University campuses and a link to a virtual wall for 4 days, coinciding with the week that palliative and end of life care was the main focus of the students’ taught sessions. Our aim was to encourage the students, in a positive way, to explore what was important to them and become more open to discussions around death and dying. We asked the students to reflect on how this may impact on their role as nurses and, by reflecting on the diversity of the students aspirations, explored issues of individuality and opportunities to enhance patients’ and family members’ experiences.

The “Before I die…” walls created a real ‘buzz’ around the University campus. Our tweets on Twitter were discussed, favoured and retweeted, there was media interest from local Radio (Radio Tay) and even an appearance on Scottish Television News for one of our students who was interviewed against the backdrop of our ‘walls.’ Interest spread as far afield as the Times Newspaper in London! As our photographs of the event testify, the students really engaged with the project and added many interesting aspirations to the walls.

We often use the materials and resources available from the Good Life, Good Death, and Good Grief and Dying Matters websites to supplement and support learning and teaching around death, dying and bereavement. We are already considering what other events we can hold to enhance the students’ learning experiences and raise awareness… perhaps a Death Café will be next?!

Lynn Griffin, Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Dundee