Hospice nurse Julie McFadden has witnessed many deaths throughout her career and is committed to helping people understand the process of dying. Her mission is to “lessen the stigma and fear associated with death” by openly discussing the signs and stages of the end of life.

Julie shares her insights both through her work and on social media, where she has built a strong presence. She provides guidance for families and individuals, helping them navigate the emotional and physical realities of death.

Her posts often include stories about patients’ final words, deepest regrets, and the physical behaviors exhibited in their last moments. These accounts aim to educate and offer comfort.

One such behavior she highlights is the “death rattle,” a common but often misunderstood sign of approaching death. It’s a gurgling sound caused by saliva accumulating in the throat when the body stops triggering the swallowing reflex.

Julie explains that this sound is not a result of lung distress, as many assume. “When people hear it, they assume it’s coming from the lungs without understanding it. It’s not. It’s just a tiny bit of saliva,” she says.

She reassures families that this isn’t painful or suffocating for the person. “The body is demonstrating that it is relaxed,” Julie notes.

Through her education efforts, including a published book, Julie continues to shed light on a topic many fear, offering clarity and compassion for those facing death and those who love them.