A hospice nurse with two decades of experience, Penny Hawkins Smith, sheds light on the process of death, emphasizing that it should not be feared as it is a natural occurrence. According to Smith, individuals nearing death may exhibit increased sleep, enter a responsive state, and eventually transition into a ‘death coma’. She notes that during this phase, individuals often recount visions and express a sense of embarking on a journey.
Smith, working as a hospice quality assurance nurse, highlights the societal stigma surrounding death, attributing it to a lack of understanding. She advocates for open discussions about death to demystify the process and normalize it for families and patients. Smith believes that death, though often perceived negatively, can be a beautiful and peaceful experience if approached with understanding and acceptance.
In her extensive experience at hospice care, Smith’s primary focus is to help families and patients come to terms with the inevitability of death. She emphasizes the importance of honest communication, especially in cases where patients have a limited life expectancy. By providing reassurance and normalizing the dying process, Smith aims to alleviate fears and uncertainties surrounding death.
Regarding the phenomenon of ‘paranormal activities’ experienced by individuals close to death, Smith explains that patients may encounter visions of deceased loved ones or express a desire for one last adventure. She underscores that each death is unique, yet individuals with terminal illnesses undergoing a natural death typically follow a similar trajectory marked by specific physiological and psychological changes.
In conclusion, Smith suggests that understanding and accepting the natural process of death can help individuals approach the end of life with peace and dignity. She encourages open dialogue and education to dispel myths and fears associated with death, emphasizing the importance of normalizing this universal experience.
