No One Dies Alone
The No One Dies Alone program was founded in 2001 by Sandra Clarke, an ICU nurse at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Eugene, Oregon. In 2011 Evan Ross, John Matt Hancock, and Mark Yurewicz started the UT Southwestern chapter of NODA in one wing of the hospital. Under their direction and with the help of medical student volunteers, it has since expanded to serve all of Parkland.
Sitting a vigil
You've navigated the halls of the hospital, introduced yourself to the nurses, and met your patient. Now what? This is a difficult question, and most volunteers struggle to define their relationship with a dying stranger. This depends on the patient, and it depends on you. However, the important thing to keep in mind is that you are there to provide a comforting presence for someone's last moments. Use your best judgement!
Here are some issues that have come up in the past:
Here are some issues that have come up in the past:
- Feel free to make physical contact. You are not there to perform life-saving interventions, but you are certainly permitted to hold the patient's hand. As a rule of thumb, ask yourself, "What would I do if I were visiting a relative in the hospital?"
- Please use discretion when using phones or computers in the room. Having said that, many volunteers bring something to read. Four hours is a long time, especially if the patient is comatose. Again, use your judgment and strive to be present.
- Religion is very personal, especially when it comes to death. We ask volunteers not to initiate prayer or religious rituals. However, feel free to participate in prayer or read from a holy book if the patient requests it. You may also politely decline.