Seeing Death Clearly Influencing Death: Reframing Dying for Better Living with Penny Hawkins Smith
Penny Smith, widely known as Hospice Nurse Penny on TikTok, brings over 20 years of experience as a nationally certified hospice nurse and a unique perspective shaped by her late start in nursing at age 40. Now 62, Penny embraces the wisdom of aging, especially in her work with end-of-life care. During the pandemic, she found her voice on TikTok, where her heartfelt stories about hospice care resonated with millions.
In this episode, Penny opens up about her journey with death anxiety, which once left her sleepless in her 30s. She shares how confronting her fears through open discussions about death transformed her perspective and how these conversations can improve not only the end-of-life experience but also the quality of life.
Penny educates her audience on the realities of hospice care, dispelling common myths and highlighting the choices available to those facing terminal illness. She shares poignant stories from her career, such as helping a hesitant patient reconsider his full-code status through compassionate dialogue. She also critiques the unrealistic portrayals of hospice in media, advocating for honest communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers. She aims to empower individuals to approach death with clarity, dignity, and peace through her work.
The conversation also delves into the fascinating topic of deathbed visions, often dismissed as hallucinations but frequently experienced by lucid individuals weeks before death. Penny underscores the importance of designating a trusted decision-maker and discussing end-of-life wishes to alleviate family stress during critical moments. She reflects on societal resistance to discussing death, sharing stories of patients and families grappling with these realities.
Listeners will hear about Penny's journey as a social media advocate, including the challenges of online criticism and the overwhelming support from her 2+ million followers. She candidly discusses her sobriety journey and how it underscores her commitment to authenticity and growth. Penny also previews her upcoming book, releasing January 14th, which she hopes will inspire readers to embrace mortality and live fuller lives.
https://www.tiktok.com/@hospicenursepenny
https://www.instagram.com/hospicenursepenny/
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