Role Considerations in Care of the Dying Patient

Twentieth century Americans are ill‐prepared for death, either their own or that of another. Death has become a less visible part of daily life. Health professionals in general and nurses in particular often deny their legitimate role in relation to the dying patient, and instead regard death as a treatment failure. This paper contrasts the dying role and the sick role of the patient, and the therapeutic role and the supportive role of the nurse. It applies the concepts of role insufficiency and role supplementation to the care of the dying and suggests implications for research.