What Dying Really Looks Like: Hospice Nurse Julie Explains the Final Days
HomeSHE MD › Episode

What Dying Really Looks Like: Hospice Nurse Julie Explains the Final Days

1:12:12 Feb 10, 2026
About this episode
In this episode of SHE MD, Mary Alice Haney and Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi sit down with Hospice Nurse Julie, a hospice and palliative care nurse who has supported thousands of patients and families at the end of life. Together, they gently explore what dying actually looks like, both physically and emotionally, and how understanding the process can help reduce fear.Julie explains common signs seen in the final days, including terminal lucidity, changes in breathing, the “death rattle,” and decreased awareness, helping listeners understand that many of these experiences are natural and not signs of suffering. They discuss terminal agitation, how hospice teams manage comfort, and the thoughtful use of medications like morphine.The conversation also emphasizes the importance of end of life planning, including advance directives, family conversations, and making wishes known to reduce guilt and conflict later. Julie shares how her work has changed the way she lives, encouraging presence, gratitude, and honest conversations about mortality. This episode offers comfort, clarity, and reassurance for anyone caring for a loved one, facing serious illness, or simply wanting to approach death with less fear and more understanding.Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PCOS, Endometriosis, fertility, and hormonal balance. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being.Sponsors:Ka’Chava - Stick with your wellness goals. Go to kachava.com and use code SHEMD for 15% offPeloton - Let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push, and go. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com ButcherBox - As an exclusive offer, new listeners can get their choice between organic ground beef, chicken breast or ground turkey in every box for a year, PLUS $20 off when you go to ButcherBox.com/SHEMD Talkiatry: Head to Talkiatry.com/shemd and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in?network psychiatrist in just a few minutesWhat You’ll Learn:How hospice care works and when it’s appropriateWhat terminal lucidity is and why it happensWhat the “death rattle” is and why
Select an episode
0:00 0:00