Grief & Loss Notes

Grief & Loss

• Grief: Multifaceted reaction to loss (actual or perceived).

• Loss: Inaccessibility or drastic change of something or someone valued.

• Nurses experience it personally or may be the support system

• everybody has an individualized experience

• Loss of a job, function, limb, pet, control, or loved ones.

Differences

• All people experience both

• Loss:

  • May be actual or perceived

  • Others cannot verify a perceived loss

  • Both are real to the person

• Grief:

  • The internal part of loss

  • the emotional feelings associated with loss

The Essence of Life in Relation to Grief

• Life is a journey characterized by loss, grief, and growth.

• Experiences of loss occur in various forms:

• Loss of relationships

• Loss of self

• Loss of treasured objects

• Developmental losses

• Grieving is necessary for letting go and making future attachments.

Understanding Grief vs. Loss

• Actual vs. Perceived Loss:

• Actual Loss: Recognized and verified by others.

• Perceived Loss: Subjective and might not be recognized by others.

• Both types of loss are significant to the individual experiencing them.

• Grief refers to the emotional and internal feelings associated with loss.

Normal Experiences of Grief and Loss

• Grief affects nurses personally and professionally.

• Grief is often associated with the death of loved ones, but can occur due to:

• Job loss

• Loss of function or independence

• Loss of pets

• Grieving is a unique process varying for each individual.

Role of Nurses in Grief and Loss

• Nurses provide compassionate care tailored to each individual's experience of grief.

• They must maintain emotional resilience to support themselves and their patients effectively.

Emotional Resiliency in Nursing

• Definition: Ability to perceive and respond to stressful situations positively.

• Importance of resilience to prevent burnout in high-stress environments.

Traits of Resilient Nurses

• Traits can be natural or developed, including:

• Confronting fears

• Maintaining an optimistic outlook

• Seeking social support

• Accepting unchangeable circumstances

• Taking care of personal health

• Using adversity for growth

Educational Topics to Enhance Resilience

• Key areas to focus on:

• Mindfulness

• Stress reduction techniques

• Emotional intelligence

• Team-building skills

Types of Grief

• Anticipatory Grief:

• Emotional responses to impending loss (anxiety, guilt, etc.).

• Eases preparation for loss by addressing unfinished business and making plans.

• Affects not just the individual but also family and caregivers.

• Normal Grief: Common reactions that typically do not require treatment, including sadness, tearfulness, and insomnia.

• Complicated Grief: Extended grief that fails to transition into the healing phase, often associated with traumatic losses.

• Types include:

  • Chronic grief

  • Delayed grief

  • Exaggerated grief (self-destructive behavior)

  • Masked grief (unrecognized impact of loss)

  • Disenfranchised grief (lack of social recognition of loss)

Theories of Grief

• Various models have attempted to explain grief:

• Kübler-Ross Model: Stages of grief (Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance).

• Other models: Rando’s Six R Process of Mourning, Parkes and Bowlby’s Four Phases of Grief.

Factors Influencing Grief Process

• Several factors can influence an individual's grief, including:

• Relationship with the deceased

• Cause of death (sudden vs. anticipated)

• Griever's age and gender

• Life history and past experiences with loss

• Available support systems

Grief and Loss in Older Adults

• Older adults face unique challenges with grief:

• Loss of independence and functionality.

• Multiple losses may lead to “bereavement overload.”

• Differentiating between grief and depression is crucial.