The Good Death - by Suzanne B O'Brien (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Practical wisdom and holistic planning to ease life's most difficult transition, from an acclaimed hospice nurse, death doula, and end-of-life educator

Many of us have to show up for someone we love at the end of life. Knowing how to do that changes everything. With over twenty years of experience as a hospice nurse, palliative care professional, and founder of the Doulagivers Institute, Suzanne B. O'Brien, RN has trained more than 350,000 people in what can be done to help the dying person, caregiver and other loved ones so they may move through each stage with as much comfort and ease as possible.

In The Good Death, O'Brien provides a comprehensive plan and the empowering knowledge to make a beautiful, sacred, and profound experience for everyone involved. Through practical advice, emotional support, and expert insights, O'Brien gently holds your hand through every aspect of the process, including:

- Learning how fear of death makes end of life harder, and how we can begin to quell it
- Care instructions to ensure your loved one's comfort
- Support system strategies to avoid burnout as a caregiver

To further empower you in facilitating a good death, the second half of the book is presented workbook-style. The Peace of Mind Planner features prompts to initiate important conversations with your loved one about their physical, mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual preferences, and space to record this important information. The planner allows you to be fully present in these last precious moments, and come away with a thorough plan for your loved one's end- of- life wishes. With empathy and a careful approach, The Good Death is not only a comprehensive, compassionate, and in-depth resource, it is a beacon of hope and support.

Review Quotes

"This essential guide to every aspect of dying from hospice care to spiritual and real-world needs can also serve as an excellent manual for readers seeking bereavement/grief support."--LIBRARY JOURNAL

"An empowering guide to end-of-life-care that provides comfort and peace of mind, and the opportunity to make sense of death in new and profound ways."--Katy Butler, NYT bestselling author

"The Good Death is a much-needed book and practical guide for clinicians and caregivers working in end-of-life care and for families of a loved one with advanced illness. Suzanne beautifully integrates essential clinical knowledge for professionals and along with practical advice for families, all with a delicate balance of clinical and sacred wisdom."--Anthony P. Bossis, Ph.D., NYU School of Medicine

"Suzanne B. O'Brien, RN provides those preparing for end of life the tools to approach it with grace, dignity, knowledge and compassion. This incredible resource will provide support to many."--Steve Leder, bestselling author of THE BEAUTY OF WHAT REMAINS and FOR YOU WHEN I AM GONE

"The Good Death is an invaluable roadmap for navigating one of life's most challenging journeys with grace, compassion and empowerment. Suzanne O'Brien's wealth of experience as a hospice nurse and death doula shines through on every page, offering practical guidance alongside profound spiritual insights. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to transform fear into peace when it matters most."--Kris Carr, New York Times bestselling author

"As a seasoned hospice and ICU nurse, I've witnessed firsthand how planning ahead can transform end-of-life experiences. The Good Death is an essential guide for every family. This invaluable book provides a clear, step-by-step framework for caregivers, offering compassionate support, expert insights, and grace in caring for a dying loved one. Suzanne O'Brien's wealth of experience as a hospice nurse, oncology nurse, and death doula infuses every page with priceless wisdom. It's a must-read for every family caregiver."--Hospice Nurse Julie, New York Times bestselling author of NOTHING TO FEAR

"Suzanne O'Brien's expertise and empathetic approach provide readers with a holistic understanding of end-of-life care, addressing every critical aspect - from physical comfort and emotional support to financial planning and spiritual preparation. As we face the inevitability of death, The Good Death offers not only practical advice but also a framework for creating a peaceful and dignified end-of-life experience. This book is an indispensable resource for caregivers and families, guiding them through the complexities of dying with grace and confidence, and ultimately inspiring a deeper appreciation for the fullness of life."--Ken Ross, President of the Elizabeth Kubler-Ross Foundation

Suzanne O'Brien has worked tirelessly throughout her career to help others navigate "the good death," knowing from her experience that our medical system often fails those at the end of life. A passionate leader in the death awareness movement, she shares her extensive knowledge in The Good Death on how to care for the dying along with her deep spiritual wisdom for living a life of meaning. Suzanne's teaching undoubtedly makes the world a more humane place as she shows the way to a good life and a good death."--Dr. Karen Wyatt, author of 7 LESSONS FOR LIVING FROM THE DYING

About the Author

Suzanne B. O'Brien, RN is the Founder & CEO of Doulagivers Institute. Her life's mission is to increase access to high quality end of life education and care for patients and families throughout the world. She has developed free resources and trainings for family caregivers and practitioners from her firsthand experience as a hospice and oncology nurse and palliative care professional at the bedsides of more than 1,000 end of life patients.

Suzanne has been awarded "Worldwide Leader in Healthcare" by the International Nurses Association for creating Doulagivers Institute and was named Humanitarian Ambassador for Oprah Magazine in 2019 for her work to bring peace and comfort to those facing the end of life around the world. She has a degree in Transpersonal Counseling and Spiritual Ministry from the Association for the Integration of the Whole Person in Los Alamitos, California. She is also a founding member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization's End of Life Doula Council and a founding member and Former VP of the National End of Life Doula Alliance.