The hospice nurse shows the deep regret that most people have before they die

A hospice nurse in California is pulling back the curtain on what people regret most in their final moments — and it’s a stark reminder to cherish life while you can.

Julie McFadden, a veteran nurse who has cared for more than 100 patients in their final days, says the biggest regret she hears isn’t what you might expect.

“The main thing people say, that I don’t hear a lot of people mention, is ‘I wish I had evaluated my health,'” McFadden revealed during an interview on Rob Moore’s Disruptors podcast.

Known as “Hospice Nurse Julie” on her YouTube channel, McFadden regularly shares insights into the dying process, from the physical signs of death to the emotional struggles people face as time approaches.

A recurring theme, she says, is people wishing they had taken more time to appreciate the little things.

“I love the fact that I can breathe, I’m walking around, I can feel the sunlight — little things like that,” she said, explaining her nightly practice of writing a gratitude list to stay grounded. .

McFadden, who previously worked in intensive care, says her career has given her a unique perspective on both life and death.

“I think because of my job, it’s easier for me to see how once in a lifetime this is,” she said.

“The fact that everything works together in our body to make us live and grow… and I see that even in death. I see how our bodies are biologically built to die.”

As McFadden works to demystify death, she also highlights the disturbing reality that death in the US often comes at a high price.

“In general, it helps to have money to die well, which I think is really unfortunate,” she said, noting that hospice care is not free in America.

For working-class families, this can mean a heavy financial and emotional burden, as they may have to take on end-of-life care responsibilities themselves.

“Only people with pretty extreme wealth can do that, which I think is really unfortunate,” McFadden said. “So I don’t think money makes you happy, but it helps – it certainly takes the stress out of the situation.”

McFadden says one of her goals is to help people understand the dying process before they face a loved one — or themselves.

“I believe people should know about the dying process before they go through it,” she said.