Critical incident analysis: nursing a dying man

When a nursing student cares for a terminally ill person for the first time, that student faces many challenges. Here, a third year student describes and analyses her thoughts, feelings and actions, reflecting on her perceptions of the patient's (Mr A's) needs; the mutual benefits of a close relationship between nurse and patient; and the personal and professional growth which resulted from writing about this challenging experience. The memory of Mr A is an inspirational legacy.