Barbara Karnes

Barbara Karnes RN, a renowned hospice nurse and author of the influential guide 'Gone From My Sight', shares invaluable insights about the natural dying process. She discusses common signs caregivers can observe and the gradual changes that occur months before death. Karnes emphasizes the importance of education to dispel fears and misconceptions about dying, and she highlights the healing power of presence over trying to fix things. The conversation sheds light on how to create a safe environment and encourages loved ones to express meaningful sentiments as the end approaches.

All of us are going to die someday. And we're all going to have loved ones who will die from disease or old age. In fact, some of you listening right now may be dying yourself or watching a loved one die.But the thing is most modern Westerners aren't prepared for the actual event of dying because we've done such a great job cordoning it off from the rest of life. If you're a young person, you've likely never seen a person die because we typically die in hospitals.Consequently, there are lot of myths and misconceptions about the dying process. Also a lot of fear- both for the person dying and those watching them die.But my guest today has made it her career educating people about the dying process and showing people that it's more than a medical event. Her name is Barbara Karnes. She's a hospice nurse and the author of several books about dying and how to bring it back to the natural part of life that it is.Today on the podcast Barbara and I get into what to expect when you're in the twilight of life and how you can make the experience less scary and even more meaningful.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Barbara Karnes, an experienced hospice nurse and author, shares her invaluable insights on end-of-life care with Johanna Lunn. She discusses the importance of viewing dying as both a personal and communal journey, highlighting the shift in family roles after death. Karnes offers strategies for coping with grief, especially when loved ones are separated due to circumstances like COVID-19. She also emphasizes the need for self-care among healthcare workers and encourages finding joy in daily activities, even in challenging times.