Podcast Summary: "Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments with Hadley Vlahos"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Here's Where It Gets Interesting
- Host: Sharon McMahon
- Guest: Hadley Vlahos, New York Times Bestselling Author of The In Between
- Release Date: July 14, 2025
1. Introduction to Hadley Vlahos and Her Journey into Hospice Nursing
Sharon McMahon welcomes Hadley Vlahos, highlighting her presence on social media as "Nurse Hadley" and congratulating her on her bestselling book, The In Between. Sharon shares her admiration for Hadley's TikTok content and her enthusiasm for discussing the profound experiences detailed in Hadley's memoir.
2. From Burnout to Meaningful Care: Choosing Hospice Nursing
Hadley narrates her transition into hospice nursing, explaining that burnout in hospital and nursing home settings propelled her to seek a more fulfilling role. She recounts observing hospice nurses who could take the time to connect deeply with each patient, which inspired her to pursue this path.
Hadley Vlahos [04:10]: “I was like, what is this career where you can just sit down with one patient at a time? Because that is what I want to do.”
3. Challenging Initial Beliefs About Death
Initially believing that death equated to eternal unconsciousness, Hadley's experiences in hospice challenged her views. She observed patients consistently experiencing encounters with deceased loved ones, which defied her logical explanations of hallucinations.
Hadley Vlahos [07:20]: “There was not really a logical explanation anymore for that.”
4. Universal Spiritual Experiences Among Patients
Hadley emphasizes that patients from diverse religious backgrounds uniformly reported peaceful and comforting experiences, such as seeing deceased relatives. These encounters were distinct from typical hallucinations, fostering a sense of peace rather than fear.
Hadley Vlahos [12:59]: “They are excited to see them. What kind of things do they talk about with their deceased loved ones?”
5. Patients' Messages and Life Lessons
Patients often conveyed profound messages about prioritizing relationships over material possessions and cherishing everyday moments. Many expressed regrets about caring too much about others' opinions rather than pursuing personal happiness and goals.
Hadley Vlahos [22:16]: “People regret caring too much what other people think and that being a reason that they don't do something like pursue a goal.”
6. The Phenomenon of Energy Surges Before Death
Hadley discusses the common occurrence of energy surges in patients nearing death—periods of heightened activity and interaction before passing. She shares poignant examples where patients made seemingly spontaneous decisions shortly before their demise, suggesting a choice in their time of death.
Sharon McMahon [32:21]: “It's right about what we're talking about today, like seeing deceased loved ones and energy surges.”
Hadley Vlahos [32:26]: “It's what we call a surge of energy.”
7. Understanding and Supporting the Dying Process
Hadley advises families to maintain open conversations about death, allowing patients to express their thoughts and wishes. She underscores the importance of respecting each individual's unique beliefs and desires to ensure a peaceful and personalized end-of-life experience.
Hadley Vlahos [19:10]: “Please don't stop those conversations. I see that very frequently.”
8. Good Death: Personalizing End-of-Life Care
The concept of a "good death" varies per individual. Hadley shares that what constitutes a peaceful passing differs based on personal values and relationships. She stresses the necessity of honoring each patient's specific needs to facilitate a comfortable transition.
Hadley Vlahos [36:15]: “It's important that they get what they want.”
9. Final Insights and Embracing the In Between
Hadley advocates for embracing the "in between"—the transitional phase between life and death. She encourages understanding that experiences like seeing loved ones are normal and not indicative of something being wrong, allowing both patients and families to find peace in these moments.
Hadley Vlahos [43:18]: “This experience is very common and it does not mean that anything is wrong with the person.”
10. Conclusion: Reflecting on Compassionate Care
Sharon concludes the episode by reflecting on the profound insights shared by Hadley, appreciating the depth of her experiences in hospice care. She emphasizes the value of Hadley's book and encourages listeners to explore The In Between for a deeper understanding of end-of-life encounters.
Sharon McMahon [44:10]: “I loved reading In Between and I love following you on social media.”
Key Takeaways:
- Hospice nursing offers a deeply personal and fulfilling approach to end-of-life care.
- Patients often experience comforting spiritual encounters that transcend logical explanations.
- Open communication about death can alleviate fears and regrets for both patients and their families.
- A "good death" is highly individualized, emphasizing the importance of respecting each person's unique wishes and beliefs.
- Embracing the transitional "in between" phase can lead to greater peace and understanding for all involved.
Resources:
- Hadley Vlahos's Book: The In Between – Available wherever books are sold.
- Follow Hadley on Social Media: Visit nursehadley.com for more insights and information.