The development of a comprehensive bereavement program to assist families experiencing pediatric loss.

One of the most difficult situations encountered by pediatric nurses is dealing with families experiencing the death of a child. This article describes the development of the H.O.P.E.S. Program (Healing of Parents Experiencing Sorrow), a comprehensive bereavement program designed to assist families who have experienced pediatric loss. This program has been well-received by both families and staff and has enabled staff to interact more confidently with families at a very difficult time in their lives.