How Do You Deal With Death and Dying?

Oncology nursing is a rewarding, challenging, and ever-changing specialty. Oncology affords the nurse an opportunity to care for individuals with unique, complex issues during his or her cancer journey. I assumed that, at some point, I would care for a patient who may not have a positive outcome. It became clear to me that I would be there during the dying process and, subsequently, face issues related to the death of a patient. I really thought I knew what I was getting into; however, I now understand that I was not sufficiently prepared.