Pediatric bereavement: supporting the family and each other.

Abstract

Childhood deaths are relatively uncommon but very stressful to both family members and health care providers. Bereavement programs are helpful in guiding and supporting the family into and through the bereavement process. Trauma nurses are vital members of the bereavement team. This article briefly describes and current literature on the subject of bereavement outlines the components of a comprehensive bereavement program and lists current challenges for nurses in this important area of nursing.