Testimonials

The author describes music and art as the language of the soul. Her first palliative care course for nurses in 1988 included presentations on art and music therapies, demonstrating her focus on the whole person and her belief that the unconscious and the soul, as well as physical and social concerns, must be considered in end-of-life care. It was a privilege to be involved in a conference exploring complementary therapies that she coordinated in Sandakan, East Malaysia. Eastern philosophy with a belief in reincarnation has been central to her own path.

Nancy Caldwell

Retired Art Therapist

Reflections on Soul is a major contribution to the subject of death and transition. Drawing from her vast background in palliative care, the author provides deep and insightful understanding into the societal, ethical, and spiritual issues related to the dying process. Using story and personal experience, she awakens us to the importance of death with dignity. This book helps us recognize that death is merely a threshold that frees the soul from the limitations of its outer garment—the personality. Death can therefore be understood as the soul’s gesture of liberation.

William Meader

Author of Shine Forth—The Soul’s Magical Destiny Portland, Oregon USA

A remarkable compendium reflecting the authority of half a lifetime's active, professional presence at the bedside of dying persons, bringing comfort, support and new confidence to patients, families, and carers.This book speaks to the unique character of each final human journey enfolding a wide philosophy of care and a comprehensive range of practical measures with which to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those facing terminal illness.This book contains a wealth of wisdom and guidance for those experiencing the last phase of life and for those professionals privileged to be members of their caring team.Conquering the fear of death and being an active participant in all of life has wide ranging benefits for humanity.

Emeritus Professor Ian Maddocks AM

former professor of palliative at Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia. Senior Australian of the Year 2013 and a passionate advocate for world peace.

There is no greater endorsement I can give of Joy Nugent's work than to say when it's time for me to make my transition she is someone I would choose to accompany me to the threshold. Joy is a person of deep wisdom, intuition, and grace. She knows how to listen and reflect to others their own truth. The gems shared in As Good as Goodbyes Get help the reader learn what is healing and beneficial for those who are approaching the end of their physical lives. Hope, peace and love are the treasures that can be mined in a good death experience. With compassion and kindness Joy helps people fin the path that will lead them home.

 

Sarah G. Schwartz                                                 

Music Educator         

Thoughtfully addresses Death and Dying! Joy Nugent presents a wealth of life-long learning and empathetic understanding of patients’ needs in her book “As Good as Goodbyes Get: A Window into Death and Dying.” Having studied Eastern and Western philosophies on the subject matter, she brings her compassionate nursing skills to palliative care. What impressed this reader throughout her book is her advocacy to listen to patients’ needs and wants, instead of imposing institutional protocol on persons preparing to make their transition. Although everyone will have their own way of facing the fear of death and dying, helping patients and those near and dear to them to say their “Goodbyes” will bring inner peace. It may also bring an awareness that Love does not die when the worn-out body is left behind! I highly recommend Joy Nugent’s very reader-friendly book to anyone assisting others, especially those in palliative and hospice care, who are looking for “A Window into Death and Dying.”
Ann V. Graber, Ph.D.Author of "The Journey Home: Preparing for Life’s Ultimate Adventure"
Ann V. Graber, Ph.D.
This book explores a subject that has been disappointingly overlooked by much of medicine and healthcare. An intelligent and fascinating read that teaches vital lessons through engaging anecdotes and ancient but timeless words of wisdom.
Susan Nugent Integrative GPHealth Wise, Integrative Medicine, Adelaide, South Australia
Susan Nugent Integrative GP
Joy provides beautiful stories of people facing end of life transitions. I truly believe many families will find comfort and education to assist through the process of death with dignity and grace.
- Debbie Borman
- Debbie Borman
An honest and compelling window into end of life care through the work of Joy Nugent. This book is a must read for anyone who is involved in end of life care. Joy is a gifted storyteller as well as a healthcare professional who masterfully weaves together her remembrances of the hundreds of people she ministered to across decades. As a therapeutic harpist myself, I appreciate her wisdom and insights into ministering to those who are on or near the threshold of their lives. This book made me realize I want to read Joy’s next two books as well. In a word, it is BEAUTIFUL! She teaches us by example, how to be real and authentic with compassion and grace so that we too may be vessels of the Light to those in need. Thank you Joy!
Cygnus Deneb
Cygnus Deneb
Reflections on Soul is a major contribution to the subject of death and transition. Drawing from her vast background in palliative care, the author provides deep and insightful understanding into the societal, ethical, and spiritual issues related to the dying process. Using story and personal experience, she awakens us to the importance of death with dignity. This book helps us recognize that death is merely a threshold that frees the soul from the limitations of its outer garment—the personality. Death can therefore be understood as the soul’s gesture of liberation.
William MeaderAuthor of Your Natural State of Being
William Meader
It was a beautiful day and I love your book. Love and blessings to you . Thankyou for all that you are and all that you do. I’m so glad I know you.
Claire 💕😀
Claire 💕😀
Dear Joy, Thank you for your interesting and inspiring email. I read with happiness regarding your time with business of Nurselink .It was encouraging to read about the clients and the casual workers being very happy with the organization.l was one of those! It is a part of my life which l will never forget.Thank you. A great opportunity.l still remain friendly with people l have been associated with during the time l was with Nurselink. Your new venture l haven't visited .Hopefully soon. I now wish you a very happy time during the Festive Season and my best wishes and love during the New Year
Eleanor Cotton
Eleanor Cotton
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Joy Nugent left a comfortable life as the wife of a successful orthodontist to follow a calling and vocation. For more than three decades she was a student at the bedside of people who were dying. It is her belief that in order to live a fuller and more meaningful life we need to become more open on our conversations about death and dying. This belief has the potential to lead a person to die with confidence and faith in a cosmic purpose rather than fear of the unknown. As Good as Goodbyes Get is a bridge from a traditional medical approach to an approach that considers the eternal soul of the person.
Andrew Harvey, editor of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche, internationally acclaimed author, and mystical scholar teacher."And I benefitted from having your book, is written in a very sensitive, sensible way and provided an easy read with very valuable advice. I hope you market it internationally to oncology nurses, oncologists, medical oncology departments, and nursing homes"

Jorge F. Cassir, MD

An oncologists from New York

"In a society that treats death as an ultimate shame and defeat, this book hands the reader not only comfort and solace, but calm authoritative directions to an alternative path. Joy's years of experience and the love that she extends to readers of this book make it invaluable in achieving a comfortable passage in the voyage that we must all make. I have enjoyed the benefit of her expertise in easing the desperate plight of a loved one and have had the privilege of working with her to achieve such ends for others."Andrew Harvey, editor of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche, internationally acclaimed author, and mystical scholar teacher."And I benefitted from having your book, is written in a very sensitive, sensible way and provided an easy read with very valuable advice. I hope you market it internationally to oncology nurses, oncologists, medical oncology departments, and nursing homes"

Guy Cundell PhD, BMus (Hons.),

GDipEd

I have shared with Joy many workshops on Advance Care Directives. Even as a co-presenter, I have learned so much. She has made the topic captivating with stories and insights about preparing for death, and the ways of reducing anxiety about death. This book captures much of her wisdom and provides practical assistance to those working in this area or preparing for their own end of life.

John Mitchell

 I witnessed Joy's passion for reducing our fear of death and dying when I worked with her on the board of Soul Talks Inc, the charity she established to promote self-healing. This book, filled with helpful information and insights for anyone approaching death or supporting someone through the process, is an illustration of that passion.

Peter Mulraney

author of My Life Is My Responsibility: Insights For Conscious Living