Transforming End-of-Life Care: Compassionate Guidance for Life’s Final Transition with Barbara Karnes

In this heartfelt and illuminating episode, Sara sits down with Barbara Karnes, a pioneering voice in hospice care and end-of-life education. Barbara shares her journey from nursing school to becoming a trusted guide for families during life’s most profound transition. She sheds light on how our society’s fear of death has created a gap in understanding the natural dying process and offers practical advice to help families feel more prepared and less afraid. Drawing from decades of hospice work and her groundbreaking booklet Gone From My Sight, Barbara discusses why death is a communal, emotional event, not just a medical one. She reveals how end-of-life care can be transformed into a sacred, meaningful experience for everyone involved. If you’re curious about hospice care or seeking guidance on navigating end-of-life transitions, Barbara’s wisdom shines brightly on this universal journey. Don’t miss her practical tips, touching stories, and powerful call to live—and die—with love and intention.

About Barbara:
If it has to do with death and dying, Barbara Karnes, RN is talking about it. Her articles have been featured in The NY Times, USA Today, The Huffington Post, Thrive Global, & The Washington Post, among others.  Awarded the NHPCO Innovator award for her decades as an end-of-life educator and for her iconic booklet, GONE FROM MY SIGHT: The Dying Experience (aka: "the hospice blue book").

Barbara’s career spans four decades and began as an early hospice pioneer during the AIDS crisis. In addition to the many years she has spent at the bedside caring for patients and their families as a nurse, Barbara has also served as executive director of hospice and various home-health agencies. She has worked through the hospice ranks as patient care manager, clinical director, staff, nurse, and volunteer. Barbara is a dedicated end of life educator, training professionals, authoring resource materials, booklets, movies, and her fabulous blog.

“People don’t understand that there’s a normal, natural way of dying. My materials are written to guide and support anyone who finds themselves addressing end of life situations. The goal is to help people have a positive experience so everyone involved will have a sacred memory to carry with them.” - Barbara Karnes, RN

You may find Barbara’s end of life resources for patients, families, an

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