A Day In The Life Of A Hospice Nurse
What does a typical day, a typical week look like for a visiting hospice registered nurse case manager look like?
My name is Peter, yet the patient called me “Jack”
As a hospice registered nurse, I have encountered numerous heartwarming and challenging experiences throughout my career. One of the most memorable encounters was with a dementia patient, Miss Norma Jean Smith, who affectionately called me "Jack." This endearing nickname, born out of her unique perception, became a symbol of the special bond we shared. In the following account, I will share the poignant journey of building trust, providing compassionate care, and embracing the unexpected moments of joy and sorrow in the life of Miss Norma. This story is a testament to the profound impact of person-centered care and the invaluable lessons learned from the patients we are privileged to serve.
Understanding HIS Requirements for Medicare in Hospice Care
One crucial aspect for new hospice nurses to grasp is the Hospice Item Set (HIS) requirements. In this article, I’ll explain the HIS requirements for Medicare, providing you with a comprehensive understanding to ensure compliance and quality care delivery.
Clues for terminal restlessness often missed for facility patients
One of the hardest portions of the job of a hospice nurse is to identify when a patient has two weeks of life left to live; this can be especially difficult at facilities going through staffing shortages leading to inconsistent caregivers with little to verbally report on a patient’s change of condition. Since being aware of the velocity of declines is extremely important, let’s cover an area that we in hospice (nurses, families, and caregivers alike) can keep an eye on in terms of identifying terminal restlessness which is often a key indicator for one week or less of life.
Effectiveness of topicals for pain and anxiety management
I have seen firsthand the benefits and drawbacks of different medications for managing pain and anxiety in terminally ill patients. Fentanyl patches and Ativan gel are two commonly used medications, but their effectiveness can vary depending on a patient’s build and weight, particularly for very thin or cachexic individuals.
Two days…. until…
There is a spiritual connection in hospice, dealing with death and dying forty-plus hours per week. We who are in the field see it often, but there are times when we hear it firmly from the patients and families whom we serve. Let me share the most recent event on Memorial Day, 5/29/2023, week.