Grief Essay

Grief can be defined as the natural reaction to loss. Grief is both a universal and personal experience (Mayo Clinic, 2014). Individual experiences of grief vary and are influenced by the nature of the loss (Mayo Clinic, 2014). There are multiple different theories that have attempted to explain the complex process of grief and loss. Theorists such as Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, William Worden and John Bowbly explain in their theories how they believe an individual deals with the grieving process. In this essay, I will be focusing on William Worden’s theory and will be discussing the process for a child aged nine to eleven.
Nurses work in many situations where they will observe patients and their families experiencing grief and loss. In order for patients to receive the utmost care it is imperative for nurses to have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of these theories and the stages of grief and loss to facilitate support to their patients and their patients families.
William Worden (1996) explains that grieving is the adaption to a loss. After researching Worden’s theory it is my understanding that there are four tasks a person must achieve in order for the process of mourning to be concluded and the “equilibrium to be re-established” (Worden,1996). In his theory, Worden clarifies that the tasks are in no particular order. Worden also recognizes that some individuals may have to revisit certain tasks over time, that grief is a personal experience, and that it is difficult to regulate a time frame for completing the grief tasks.
Worden’s theory (1996) involves four fundamental tasks of mourning that he believes must be completed for a person or family system to return to equilibrium and to successfully grieve a loss. These...

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...Riely, 2012). Nurses can self-care through debriefing with their colleagues, having relaxing time for themselves and ensuring they have adequate time off. Employee assistance and counselling programs are also available to provide assistance specifically to prevent nurse burnout.

In conclusion, grief is a universal and personal experience. Every child will experience grief differently. In order for patients to receive utmost care, nurses require thorough knowledge and understanding of the theories and stages of grief and loss Through implementing the practical nursing strategies that have been proposed, the nurse can provide the best possible care to a child and their family that are experiencing grief and loss in the acute care setting whilst also completing the four essential tasks of William Worden’s theory that are required for a child to grieve successfully.