Perioperative nursing care when sudden patient death occurs in the OR

This article explores how nurses cope with sudden death in the OR. It reviews the literature on this topic and explores grief and bereavement models, as well as provides a discussion of clinical coping methods identified through nursing experience. An education model presents information about implementing nursing care for the patient and family members. Critical care nursing research has been used to develop the model with adaptation to the perioperative setting. The model discusses the value of support for perioperative nurses and peers experiencing sudden patient death.