Nephrology nursing journal : journal of the American Nephrology Nurses' Association
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Planning a "good death" is a neglected, but essential, part of the care of patients with end stage renal disease and their families. Many of these patients do not have advance directives and few utilize palliative care. ⋯ Nephrology nurses are frequently positioned to begin EOL discussions with patients and families, and advanced practice nurses are in a unique position to coordinate and facilitate a patient's transition from chronic to terminal illness and to increase the likelihood that the patient and family experience a "good death". This article reviews the need for practice improvement in EOL care and a review of the current literature.