I work as a cna in a nursing home?!

I work as a cna in a nursing home?

Tonight a resident passed away and for the first time I had to prepare the body for the family viewing and funeral home. When I entered the room there was a smell, what is that smell, I have heard that deceased people give off an odour, but why? Also the gentlemans hair, which was grey, turned black. I am feeling odd right now, I have never been this close to death as I just started 2 months ago. Please advise if you can. Thank you

6 days ago
The patient did die from cancer.

True, disease has its own odor and cancer most certainly does. On top of that, the bowels relax and if there was any stool present, it was voided. Once death occurs tissue death and breakdown also begin. Gases are a by-product of this.

I can't explain the hair. Perhaps some of his meds did this.

If you stay in this job, you're going to see more of this in the future. Death is a part of life and is the natural conclusion. Use this opportunity to consider how you feel about death in general. Don't feel odd, don't feel afraid. You will become more accustomed to it and it's okay to cry if you're ever moved to do so. A life over should be mourned by someone.