Self-Preservation as an End of Life Caregiver

Caring for critically ill and dying people day in and day out can lead to rapid burnout. How can we honor the people we care for when a “dignified death” feels at times impossible? How can we honor ourselves through self-preservation strategies? How much of a boundary needs to exist within empathy? This workshop is designed to explore coping mechanisms, share experiences, and participate in healing creative expression. Through both group conversation and personal writing activities, we will recall personal stories, identify moments of difficulty/burnout, and highlight the ways in which we can support ourselves and each other in the honorable position of caring for someone transitioning through the end of their life. Primary learning objectives will center around community support, validating experiences and identifying coping strategies. Ideally, the outcome will be a greater understanding of our limitations and needs as caregivers, and the creation of a “toolbox” that can be utilized for future patient care experiences.

If you require accommodation, please contact NWNMC at nwnmc.pdx@gmail.com.