Julie McFadden is a hospice nurse who has witnessed countless deaths over the course of her career. Through her work, she openly discusses the realities of dying, hoping to help people better understand what happens as life comes to an end by explaining the common behaviors seen in those who are nearing death.
Her mission, she says, is to “alleviate the fear and stigma around death.”
Julie has devoted her professional life to guiding patients and their families through the final stages of life. In addition to her hands-on work, she has written a book and developed a large following on social media, where she focuses on honest conversations about death and dying.
In the videos she shares online, Julie offers insight into the final moments of her patients’ lives — including their last words, their most common regrets, and the physical changes that often occur near the end.
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| TikTok/@hospicenursejulie |
One of the most distressing experiences for loved ones, she explains, is the change in breathing that can happen as a person approaches death. Known as Cheyne–Stokes breathing, this pattern occurs due to metabolic changes in the body.
While these changes are a normal part of the dying process and do not necessarily mean the person is suffering, family members often perceive them as alarming. Many later say it is something they “wish they had known about” in advance.
“You can see the chest breathing rapidly, followed by a long pause, and then rapid breathing again,” Julie explained.
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| TikTok/@hospicenursejulie |
Another common sign she discusses is what is often called the “death rattle.” This occurs when saliva collects in the mouth because the brain no longer signals the body to swallow, creating a gurgling sound.
“People hear it and immediately assume it’s coming from the lungs, but that’s not the case,” Julie said. “It’s really just a small amount of saliva.”
@hospicenursejulie #hospicenursejulie #PrimeDayDreamDeals #deathrattle #terminal #learnontiktok #itsokay #youdidgood ♬ Almost Idyllic - Sleeping At Last
“This doesn’t mean the person feels like they’re suffocating,” she added. “We know this because the body appears relaxed.”
According to Julie, the human body is naturally designed to prepare itself for the dying process.
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