Vigil Programs Ensure No One Dies Alone

An article in this months RN Magazine highlighted a program in Eugene, Oregon that is dedicated to making sure no one dies alone. The program, appropriately called "No One Dies Alone (NODA)" was started by Sandra Clark, a registered nurse who's experience with a patient in 1986 at Sacred Heart Medical Center prompted her to find a way to support patients who were going to otherwise die alone.

Vigil programs aren't new but they are certainly on the rise. Staffed by volunteers, vigil programs provide comfort, support, and compassion to dying people who don't have friends or family or who's loved ones can't make it to their bedside in time. Volunteers have requirements they must meet and must sign confidentiality agreements. Some programs require that vigil companions go through special training. Volunteers almost uniformly describe their experience vigiling at a patients bedside a rewarding and beautiful.

If you are interested in volunteering as a vigil companion, check with your local hospice or hospital to see if they have a program.