Exploring the Mystery of Near-Death Experiences

Near death experience: a concept analysis as applied to nursing

“…This article was encouraging, however, because the majority of nurses wanted to learn more about NDEs. Fortunately, more recent studies (Dougherty 1990, Puntillo 1993, Schoenbeck 1993, Morse 1994, Sommers 1994, Orne 1995, Bucher et al . 1997) have offered several interventions that nurses could use for supporting NDE clients and their families.…”

“…The nurse should look for ‘red flags’ that would show that the patient had a NDE, such as wanting to keep the lights on, talking about having a strange dream and appearing withdrawn and scared. Key points found in the research identified that the nurse needed to be an active listener and a careful observer (Schoenbeck 1993, Morse 1994, Bucher et al . 1997).…”

“…During resuscitative attempts or at the impact of death, one may find oneself floating above one’s body and witnessing the event. A sense of detachment is felt and some hear the voice of a doctor pronouncing them dead (Vinter 1994) while others watch themselves being resuscitated (Schoenbeck 1993, Davis 1998, Hayes et al . 1998, Rasumoff 1998).…”

“…Others report feelings of peace and contentment. Prior to death, people may have excruciating pain but as soon as they leave the body, the pain vanishes and they experience a sense of peace (Schoenbeck 1993, Hayes et al . 1998).…”

“…Several report an out of body experience that is often represented as rising up and floating over their own body. They are able to view their resuscitation attempt from a vantage point but they start feeling that they are in a spiritual body (Hayes & Waters 1989, Schoenbeck 1993, Manley 1996, Bucher et al . 1997, Hayes et al .…”