The Next Shift is a new series of stories written by experienced RNs to provide advice that can help guide the next generation of nurses. The series is presented by The Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing’s Future.

Always put yourself in patients’ and family members’ shoes and treat them as if they were your family. Years ago, I was a hospital administrator when I was called to talk to a family about the gift of life after their young daughter passed away. I cried with them, as I cried with my family members who once were in a similar predicament. It’s not easy to discuss this topic, but when you know in your heart the moment is right, you do the right thing as a good nurse.