Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and the 5 Stages Model in a Sampling of Recent North American Nursing Textbooks.

Nursing education programs and nursing textbooks often present accounts of the work of Dr Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and her "5 stages" model. In this article, we examine a sampling of recent North American nursing textbooks to illustrate the different ways those subjects are discussed. Unfortunately, the information provided is not always accurate or helpful in guiding readers. We describe why that is so and suggest some ways in which better guidance could be delivered. It is particularly timely to undertake this examination since 2019 is the 50th anniversary of the publication of On Death and Dying, the well-known book in which Dr Kübler-Ross first published her theory and descriptions of the work that led to it.

Caregivers in death, dying, and bereavement situations.

This document examines issues related to the work of both formal and informal caregivers as they are involved in caring for dying and/or bereaved individuals. The examination is organized around five central questions: what brings individuals to this work?; what enables them to develop effective caregiving relationships?; what sustains them in their work?; what responsibilities do they have to themselves and to others?; and how are they are influenced by the social context of their work? The goal of this article is to help individuals and teams improve the care they provide in death-related situations, while also assisting educators, managers, and administrators to prepare and support these caregivers in more effective ways.