From Sun to Sun: A Hospice Nurse Reflects on the Art of Dying

(Paperback)

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Description

Twenty-one people of different ages have one thing in common; theyre within six months of their deaths. Theyve endured the battle of the medical system as they sought cures for their illnesses, and are now settling in to die. Some reconcile, some dont. Some are gracious, some not. As Nina Angela McKissock, a highly experienced hospice nurse, goes from home to home and within the residential hospice, she shares her journey of deep joy, humorous events, precious stories, and heartbreaking love. Free of religiosity, dogma, or fear, From Sun to Sun brings readers into McKissocks worldand imparts the profound lessons she learns as she guides her beloved patients on their final journey.

Reviews

2017 Eric Hoffer Award Finalist in Memoir 2016 International Book Award Finalist in Memoir/Autobiography/Biography 2016 International Book Award Finalist in Health: Death & Dying This work is so important, honest, unflinching and damn well written. It really engaged me and I wanted to know everyone better including you. This book is really a gift for anyone who has or will experience the process of dying. (I guess that covers a lot of people!) Dr. Dan Gottlieb, PhD, author of The Wisdom Were Born With and host of the NPR radio program Voices in the Family Such a deeply human, honest, compassionate, courageous book! Nina McKissock brings her full self to her patients. What a difference she makes! Nina is a healer in the most important sense of the word. I am thrilled to read about the fullness of humanity in Nina's reflections. Patricia Wudel, Executive Director, Joseph's House This tenderly rendered addition to the literature on hospice care deserves the widest possible audience. Kirkus Reviews Her stories and openhearted musings spark reverie, reflection and respect . . . McKissock reminds us to embrace the mystery [of death] with a full heart. PhillyVoice.com This is simply a magnificent book, beautifully written, quietly told, utterly important. Roland Merullo, Author of Dinner with Buddha From Sun to Sun is a beautiful memoir by a dedicated hospice nurse who listens, speaks and acts from the heart. Frank Ostaseski, founder Metta Institute, founding director, Zen Hospice Project Understanding can come for three sources: Observing, participating, and experiencing. Rarely does a book offer readers all three. From Sun to Sun is one of those book. Trust me, after reading this book, your fears will be lessened or gone. Stan Goldberg, Ph.D., Author of Lessons for the Living: Stories of Forgiveness, Gratitude, and Courage at the End of Life The inclusion of many different cases and the incredibly sensitive way it is written has made me read it over many times. I am going to recommend this book to all of my staff. Helen Zebarth, Co-Founder, Blue Ridge Hospice, Winchester, VA

Author Bio

Nina Angela McKissock has been a registered nurse for thirty-nine years. She was featured on the Spirituality Channels three-part television series From Hospice to Heaven, has created hospital-based programs on Death and Dying and Bereavement, and was the Executive Director and Founder of Serenity House and Hospice Support in Doylestown, PA. Before that, she worked as a nurse in top-rated hospitals including The National Cancer Institute in Frederick, MD and Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia. McKissock lives in Philadelphia, PA and has three grown children.