Bereavement care. A role for nurses.

Bereavement care is an important, yet often forgotten, area of care. Evidence suggests that early and prompt interventions for high-risk individuals can facilitate grief and can minimize the adverse consequences of grief. Nurses can play a pivotal role in providing care to bereaved individuals. However, it is essential to have a thorough knowledge of the normal grief response, and a framework for assessment and management. This article provides fundamental information about the manifestations of grief, and offers information about appropriate nursing assessment and management for bereaved individuals.