Letters to the Editor

The Pause, an article in the February 2014 issue (Critical Care Nurse. 2014;34[1]:74-75) by Jonathan Bartels, presents a concept that can be used to set a culture of caring and nurturing for patients, their family, and staff. The concept, called The Pause, is a simple time out, 45 seconds to about 1 minute, that recognizes a patient’s death as well as the efforts of the clinical staff when, despite all interventions, the patient dies. This concept, according to Bartels, is not brain surgery or rocket science, but a method for comforting and healing.

Hospitals do not need an educational roll-out or check-off list to begin to implement The Pause. Bartels says to just do it; start implementing The Pause right away and begin the healing of taking care of yourself and others on the team.

Many departments and disciplines are involved...