Depicting Death: Lessons on Writing and Professional Development in Nursing

Donna M. Zucker, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

Abstract

The aim of this article is to describe methods incorporating creative uses of classic literature about death and dying in a writing course for nurses. Selected writing activities included free-writing, responses to classic and contemporary literature on dying, and free-drawing. This course facilitated self-exploration and finding one’s own vice. Including classic literature into a nursing writing course was essential in demonstrating to students that death is a powerful life event that requires sharing to promote learning and healing