The use of pastoral and spiritual support in bereavement care.

For many people, the death of a loved one can result in feelings of shock, numbness or denial, even though they may have been expecting it for some time. Pastoral and spiritual care is a vital part of an authentic, holistic health care service. Nurses need to be aware of the needs of relatives and friends of the deceased and understand their role in practical matters such as death certificates, cremation forms and last offices.