Hospice nurse explains the biggest misconceptions about what happens to someone’s body when they’re going to die

Hospice nurse Julie McFadden wants to change the way we see death because most of what we think we know about it is wrong.

For many people, death is a scary, painful, or even taboo subject. But after years of working in hospice care, Julie has seen firsthand that dying isn’t always what we imagine. She’s made it her mission to ease people’s fears by sharing the truth about what really happens at the end of life.

On social media, she breaks down common myths—like the idea that dying is always agonizing. “People think death itself is painful, but that’s not necessarily true,” she explains. “The disease might cause pain, but the actual process of the body shutting down? That’s often much more peaceful than people expect.”

One of the biggest surprises Julie shares is how the body naturally prepares for death. As someone nears the end, their brain stops sending signals for hunger and thirst. They might sleep more, eat less, and seem withdrawn—but that doesn’t mean they’re suffering. “It’s the body’s way of conserving energy and making the transition easier,” she says.

She’s also seen many patients pass away calmly, without heavy painkillers. “We assume everyone needs morphine at the end, but that’s not always the case,” she says. “I’ve watched people die peacefully, without any medication at all. It’s not about denying comfort—it’s about understanding that death isn’t always a fight.”

Julie’s message is simple: Death doesn’t have to be terrifying. By talking openly about it, she hopes to take away some of the fear and mystery. “If we understand it better, maybe we can face it with less dread—and focus on making the end of life as meaningful as the rest of it.”