Nurse Julie McFadden openly discusses death to help ease people’s fears and share valuable lessons.
A hospice nurse who has dedicated her career to helping people face death without fear has shared what many people express in their final moments.
Julie McFadden, a nurse with years of experience, not only cares for those nearing the end of their lives but also actively educates others about death and dying through her book and social media platforms.
While the topic might seem heavy, Julie describes it as profoundly meaningful. She has observed how naturally the body transitions during the dying process and found it to be surprisingly beautiful in its own way.
Through her work, Julie hopes to teach others that death is a natural and inevitable part of life, not something to dread.
Her efforts have resonated with many. She has gained over 1.5 million followers on TikTok, where she shares insights and advice about dealing with death and dying. Earlier this year, she appeared on businessman and author Rob Moore’s podcast, ‘Disruptors’.
In the episode, which aired on July 15, Julie reflected on her experiences witnessing “hundreds” of people pass away during her time as a nurse in the Intensive Care Unit and later in hospice care.
Nurse Julie has spent years working in a hospice YouTube/Hospice Nurse Julie
Her unique career path has provided her with deep insight into the end-of-life experience, something most people rarely see firsthand. Over time, Julie has observed two recurring wishes that many people share in their final moments.
Speaking with Moore, she explained the first regret is often about spending too much time working. Many people wish they had spent less time at their jobs and more time with loved ones, even though financial responsibilities make that easier said than done.
However, the second wish, which is even more common, touches on something within our control and strikes an even deeper chord.
Julie has noticed similarities in people’s last wishes YouTube/Hospice Nurse Julie
McFadden shared: “The main thing people say, that I don’t hear a lot of people mention, is ‘I wish I would have appreciated my health’.”
It’s easy to overlook our health when everything feels fine, but as soon as illness strikes—even something minor like a sore throat or a cold—it can make us realize just how much we rely on feeling well.
Having witnessed this firsthand on a larger scale, Julie has taken inspiration from her patients. She now writes a ‘gratitude list’ every evening to remind herself of the little things people often take for granted and to acknowledge what she’s thankful for.
She added: “I like the fact that I can breathe, I’m walking around, I can feel the sunshine – little things like that.”
Reflecting on the sentiments she often hears, she noted: “I think the biggest thing I hear from people [who are] dying is that they wish they would have appreciated how well they felt before.”
Julie also explained why she chooses to be so open about the topic of death, saying: “I believe that people should know about the dying process before they’re actually going through it with a loved one or themselves.”
