When starting work with terminally ill children, what should a nurse do first to help families cope with illness?

• A. Study the nurse practice act to find rules relating to the medical care of terminally ill children
• B. Spend time performing value clarification to identify personal feelings about this role
• C. Evaluate her own personal mores and customs that may affect nursing practice
• D. Review state and federal laws about treatment of dying children

Answer: (C)

Self-awareness about personal beliefs and values is essential when beginning care for terminally ill children. By evaluating her own mores and customs, a nurse can identify how deeply held beliefs about death, suffering, and family roles might influence communication, decisions, or the way care is offered. This self-reflection helps ensure care is nonjudgmental and truly patient- and family-centered, honoring diverse cultural and religious values rather than imposing the nurse’s own views. Establishing this foundation first makes subsequent discussions—like clarifying values or navigating laws and policies—more constructive because the nurse approaches families without bias and with genuine empathy. While understanding legal requirements and engaging in value clarification are important, the initial step is to examine personal values that could affect practice to support families more effectively.