'I'm an end-of-life nurse - here is what to expect when you're dying'

Kacie Gikonyo became a 'death doula' in the hope of giving people a 'positive experience' around death, having seen the strain of grief in her previous role as a hospital nurse

A woman quit her job as a nurse in a hospital to become a "death doula" to give those dying a "positive experience".

Kacie Gikonyo, 41, has experienced some touching moments since the career change, such as a time when a woman was brought to tears because of her help. Kacie embraces death and, in her self-employed role, she works with families with a relative at the end of their lives.

The woman, from Cleveland, Ohio, said: "A key part of my role is removing stress and chaos, and to ensure that practical tasks are managed and that the family feels supported every step of the way. I want death to be a positive experience. Almost every client I've worked with has experienced what's known as 'visioning' in their final days or moments.

"Seeing lost loved ones, even pets, who have passed before them. It's a common and beautiful occurrence during the active dying phase, offering comfort and a sense of peace. These moments remind us that, even in death, love and connection endure."

Her time as a nurse, she says, has offered her the knowledge and different perspectives around death but Kacie believes she sheds new light on challenges for families. No day for Kacie is the same - with tasks ranging from organising hospice services, arranging care or legacy projects and assisting with end-of-life planning. Some days, Kacie will simply sit with those close to death, offering comfort in whatever way she can.

"Being a death doula involves a blend of emotional, logistical, and practical support for both the dying individual and their loved ones," the former healthcare professional added. "Once, I had been working with a husband whose wife was at the end of her life due to a traumatic brain injury. She had spent months being shuffled between hospitals, leaving her confused and disoriented.

"He warned me that she often struggled to communicate. The moment I walked in [during my first visit], she took my hand, pressed it to her face and began to cry - tears that seemed filled with relief. She looked at me, with surprising clarity, and said, 'I don't know who you are, I just know that you're here to keep me safe, and I'm so happy to finally see you'. I knew, in that moment, that I was there to help guide her home peacefully. And that's exactly what I did."

While she doesn't know what happens after death, Kacie shares what dying can look like. She said: "What I can describe is what those final moments often look like - calm, serene, and incredibly peaceful. The body gradually quiets as its systems slow down, almost as if it's preparing itself for a gentle transition. There's often no sudden change, just a gradual stillness. It's a beautiful reminder that death, for many, is not something to fear but a natural, peaceful process."

Kacie considers it an honour to be present during such an intimate and sacred moment in someone's life. She added: "Knowing that I've helped make their exit more peaceful fills my heart and gives me a deep sense of purpose. There's an indescribable feeling of accomplishment in guiding not only the dying, but also their loved ones, through one of the most difficult times of their lives. To be chosen by this calling, to walk souls through their final transition, is a profound privilege."