The Dying Patient's Bill of Rights

The Dying Patient's Bill of Rights

From the American Journal of Nursing,

 

In A Patient's Bill of Rights, we note that "Knowing and exercising your rights can make your life much easier as you make decisions concerning your treatment and as you work for recovery or relief of symptoms." Then we give an illustration of how a person can put each right into practice. Likewise, this list, published in the "American Journal of Nursing," can be used as a guideline for those who are dying and who care for a loved one who is dying. I recommend you read through this page and notice which ones you particularly want to emphasize. Then think of the ways those rights can be accomplished. Share your ideas with others and ask them for help if need be.

— Arlene F. Harder, MA, MFT, Editor-in-Chief

The American Journal of Nursing now publishes a bimonthly continuing education series on palliative care that is funded in part by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This series can be accessed by going to the American Journal of Nursing's web site and clicking on Palliative Nursing Series.

The Dying Patient's Bill of Rights

I have the right to be treated as a living human being until I die.

I have the right to maintain a sense of hopefulness however changing its focus may be.

I have the right to be cared for by those who can maintain a sense of hopefulness, however changing this might be.

I have the right to express my feelings and emotions about my approaching death in my own way.

I have the right to participate in decisions concerning my care.

I have the right to expect continuing medical and nursing attention even though "cure" goals must be changed to "comfort" goals.

I have the right not to die alone. I have the right to be free from pain.

I have the right to have my questions answered honestly.

I have the right not to be deceived.

I have the right to have help from and for my family in accepting my death.

I have the right to die in peace and dignity.

I have the right to retain my individuality and not be judged for my decisions which may be contrary to beliefs of others.

I have the right to discuss and enlarge my religious and/or spiritual experiences, whatever these may mean to others.

I have the right to expect that the sanctity of the human body will be respected after death.

I have the right to be cared for by caring, sensitive, knowledgeable people who will attempt to understand my needs and will be able to gain some satisfaction in helping me face death.