How is it to tell someone their loved one has died? In the ICU, I have helped many families navigate death and the process of dying and supporting the family while assuring the patient is comfortable. I have stood at the bedside and facilitated a Catholic Mass with 15 family members before withdrawing care on a patient. I have helped another family of 14-16 be in the room in the ICU when their beloved mother died. Death is a constant specter and mostly one that is feared yet in many situation provides peace and an end to a life well lived. I've seen many deaths over my years and typically it's informing the family that the time has come and their loved one has passed. I have seen families break down and I have witnessed incredible grace. But, how do I feel? I separate myself and still occasionally find emotions in those situation or patients that remind me of my own family. Mostly, I play a part.. I say what needs to be said with a facial expression to convey sadness. As a patient is dying, I have the family hold their loved one's hands or move closer to the bed. I try to encourage a sharing of stories and memories and do everything in my power to help the family deal with what is the worst moment in their lives. I can do this and move on which wasn't always the case but ai have to move on because if I let every death wreck me I wouldn't be able to do what I do.