Table 2.

Examples of Nurse Supportive Communication.

Support Code	Nurse to Caregiver	Nurse to Patient
Discussions of Tangible Support (35% of all supportive communication)	I will let the hospice team know he passed for you. Would you like to help me wash his body? Do you have the number for the funeral home? I need to get rid of his pain medicines now, I’ll be right back.	I’m giving you medicine to make your breathing easier. We’re going to give you a bath.
Providing Emotional Support (25% of all supportive communication)	I’ll come back whenever you need me. How are you holding up?	It’s going to be okay.
Providing Informational Support (23% of total overall supportive communication)	I think she’s getting close. These are normal things you see when someone is dying.	More pain medicine would probably help you be more comfortable, I don’t think it will knock you out.
Providing Esteem Support (15% of total overall supportive communication)	You’re doing everything right.	You look beautiful. You’re a fighter.
Facilitating Networking Opportunities (connecting) (2% of total overall supportive communication)	Did you know that [church] has a group for people whose spouses have died?	N/A
Spiritual Discussions (occurred in 7 of 44 visits)	We could pray together if you want. If you are asking me personally, yes I believe in the soul, in angels too.… We really don’t know, but I have heard patients talk to family members that have passed.	You see your mother? How wonderful.

Note: The percentage of spiritual discussion in relation to overall support was not assessed as spiritual support was not part of the original nursing supportive communication coding scheme.