Delirium vs Terminal Restlessness
As an experienced hospice nurse, I understand how difficult it can be to distinguish between delirium and terminal restlessness. Both conditions can cause significant distress for the patient and their loved ones, and nurses must be able to tell the difference between them to provide the best possible care. In this article, I will share my knowledge and experience to help new hospice nurses understand the differences between delirium and terminal restlessness and how to rule out delirium.
Read MoreDelirium vs Terminal RestlessnessThe Dark Side of Physical Therapy for Geriatric Patients with Dementia
Explore the ethical dilemma of physical therapy for terminally ill dementia patients. This article examines the potential harm of aggressive interventions, highlighting the importance of comfort-focused care. Learn why hospice professionals often advocate for gentler approaches in end-of-life dementia care.
Read MoreThe Dark Side of Physical Therapy for Geriatric Patients with DementiaConsiderations for Increasing Hospice Visit Frequencies
Hospice care is focused on symptom management, pain relief, emotional support, and spiritual care. It is a privilege to be a part of a patient’s end-of-life journey, and as a new hospice nurse, you may feel overwhelmed, but you can make a difference in a patient’s life. One of the essential skills you need to learn as a hospice nurse is to recognize when to increase the scheduled visit frequency for a terminally ill patient under hospice care.
Read MoreConsiderations for Increasing Hospice Visit FrequenciesHospice Routine Visit Template
I keep the bedside documentation to under 15 minutes (admission visits not included) by creating muscle memory by following consistent templates based on the type of visit (routine, PRN, recertification, death, and admission).
I’ve previously shared my recertification template, so let me share my routine visit template for today. For those new, routine visits are scheduled ahead of time, and while you may arrive to find a crisis before you, the visit itself was scheduled and therefore considered routine. It is regarded as part of the four hospice care levels according to Medicare guidelines.
Read MoreHospice Routine Visit TemplateThe Importance of Documenting Hospice Visits at the Bedside
Our primary focus for our patients is comfort at the end of life as hospice nurses. We work tirelessly to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care during their end-of-life journey. An aspect of that care that is often overlooked, but incredibly important is timely documentation.
Documenting hospice visits at the bedside is crucial for several reasons. Not only does it help ensure that our patients are receiving the best possible care, but it also helps the hospice team as a whole and reduces issues when the caregiver must be involved in triage services. Here are just a few reasons why documenting hospice visits at the bedside is so important:
Read MoreThe Importance of Documenting Hospice Visits at the BedsideHospice Eligibility and Hospice Recertification — information for families and new hospice nurses
As an experienced hospice nurse, I understand how overwhelming and emotional it can be for terminally ill patients and their loved ones to navigate the hospice process. Hospice care is a compassionate and comprehensive approach to end-of-life care, designed to provide comfort, pain management, and emotional support to patients and their families. However, many people have questions about hospice eligibility and hospice recertification. In this article, I will provide a generalized guide to help you understand these important aspects of hospice care.
Read MoreHospice Eligibility and Hospice Recertification — information for families and new hospice nursesMorphine and Lorazepam are not euthanizing agents
As a hospice nurse with years of experience, I have encountered many situations where family members are hesitant to allow their loved ones to receive medications such as morphine and lorazepam. One of the main reasons for this hesitancy is the belief that these medications will hasten death, leading to euthanasia.
In this article, I want to address this concern and help family members and friends understand the use of morphine and lorazepam in hospice care.
Read MoreMorphine and Lorazepam are not euthanizing agentsHospice is Comfort Care
I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to understand comfort and discomfort in hospice care. Let’s dive into these terms and how they relate to end-of-life care.
Read MoreHospice is Comfort CareUnderstanding Hospice Comfort Medications
Hospice comfort medications play a vital role in managing end-of-life symptoms. From morphine for pain and breathing difficulties to lorazepam for anxiety and restlessness, these medications are carefully administered to enhance quality of life while ensuring patient comfort and dignity.
Read MoreUnderstanding Hospice Comfort MedicationsUnderstanding PRN Medications for Comfort Care
Hey there, my friend! As an experienced hospice nurse, I understand that managing symptoms for comfort is crucial for terminally ill patients. One of the ways we do this is through PRN medications. Today, I want to help you understand PRN medications and how they can be used in conjunction with scheduled medications.
Read MoreUnderstanding PRN Medications for Comfort Care