Hospice nurse Julie McFadden has witnessed countless end-of-life experiences throughout her career. She openly shares these moments to help people better understand the dying process, focusing on the behaviors and emotions of those nearing death. Her mission is to reduce the fear and stigma surrounding death by encouraging honest, compassionate conversations.
Julie has become a trusted guide for families navigating a loved one’s final days. Beyond her work as a nurse, she has written a book and built a strong social media presence dedicated to death education. Through her content, she highlights common themes she encounters, such as final words, unspoken regrets, and physical signs of the body shutting down.
One topic Julie frequently addresses is the “death rattle”—a gurgling sound that often alarms loved ones. She explains that it occurs when the brain no longer signals the body to swallow, allowing saliva to accumulate in the throat. Though unsettling to hear, Julie reassures families that it is not a sign of distress or suffocation.
“This sound doesn’t come from the lungs, as many believe—it’s just a small amount of saliva,” she explains. “It actually indicates that the body is calm.” Through insights like these, Julie hopes to ease anxiety and help people approach death with understanding and peace.
