Author: Peter Abraham, BSN, RN

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Peter Abraham, BSN, RN, embodies more than just experience as a nurse; he truly cares about advocating for nurses, caregivers, families, and patients during their learning, growth, and well-being journeys. With a diverse background in nursing that includes cardiology and medical-surgical care, he has the privilege of supervising an amazing team of nurses and support staff in long-term care, rehabilitation, rural hospice, and palliative care as a case manager and admissions nurse.

Peter’s heartfelt desire to help others shines far beyond his physical presence. Through his valuable contributions at CompassionCrossing.Info, he pens inspiring articles designed to uplift caregivers, family members, and fellow nurses navigating end-of-life care. His books can be found on Amazon. Peter’s unwavering commitment to supporting others, all stemming from his deep love for Christ Jesus, truly serves as a wonderful source of encouragement for everyone he meets.

His dedication to compassionate care led to the establishment of the Peter Abraham Wound Care Scholarship, which offers education in wound care. This scholarship, associated with the theme of “Wound Care: Enhancing Healthcare for the Aging Population,” underscores Peter’s commitment to improving care for those in need.

When Peter is not working or writing, he finds joy in each moment spent with his wife, Laura, and their two rescue dogs, immersed in the inspiring beauty of central Kentucky, USA. To learn more about Peter, you can listen to an interview by Marie Betcher, RN, on her Hospice Explained Podcast Series and subscribe to his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@NursePeter.

Early detection of COVID-19 in the elderly

These are my experiences as a registered nurse caring for geriatric patients in a long-term & rehab care setting where I was the house supervisor responsible for up to 151 residents along with managing the second shift healthcare staff.

By now, you’ve probably had your temperature checked ad nauseam as you visit different locations. Yet, is checking the temperature of your elderly loved ones a good way to know if they may have COVID-19? Are you aware that according to Vital Signs in Older Patients: Age-Related Changes, “older patients are less able to mount a fever response.” Most of my geriatric patients did not have a fever when they contracted COVID-19, and most remained afebrile (without fever) through their stay in the COVID unit.

What’s a more reliable sign of potential COVID-19 infection in the elderly?

Read MoreEarly detection of COVID-19 in the elderly

DNR and the Terminally Ill

Navigating conversations about Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders with terminally ill patients and their families can be challenging yet crucial for ensuring that the patient's wishes and comfort are prioritized. The decision between opting for DNR or full code often involves delicate emotions, medical considerations, and ethical concerns. In this article, we will delve into a methodology that has proven effective in facilitating these discussions, particularly in the context of hospice care. Drawing from years of experience and successful outcomes, we'll explore approaches that prioritize compassion, clarity, and patient-centered care. Additionally, we'll reference valuable resources to enhance understanding and guide these critical conversations.

Read MoreDNR and the Terminally Ill

INFJ and being a hospice nurse

As an INFJ, I’m almost constantly introspective. Today, I was helping with an emergency where one of our wonderful on-call nurses was in a car accident. During my visit with a patient I admitted yesterday who is transitioning towards actively dying, I was in bewilderment in my mind about how comfortable and peacefully patient I am when I’m around the terminally ill and their family.

Read MoreINFJ and being a hospice nurse

Common Misconceptions about Morphine and End-of-Life Medications

Morphine is a crucial medication in end-of-life care, but it's often misunderstood. This article debunks common myths about morphine use in hospice, addressing concerns about addiction, hastening death, and sedation. Learn the truth about morphine's role in providing comfort and dignity for terminally ill patients.

Read MoreCommon Misconceptions about Morphine and End-of-Life Medications

End-of-Life Decisions: Don’t wait until it’s too late for advanced directives

Advanced Directives

Autonomy, the right to receive or refuse medical treatment is a crucial element of health care ethics (American Nurses Association (ANA), 2011; Plakovic, 2016). Nurses are involved in helping patients and families be aware of when end-of-life is occurring, and in educating the patient and family about end-of-life legislation that helps guide everyone committed to continue the right of patient autonomy when the patient is no longer able to express their wishes. Before the Patient Self Determination Act, we had the famous cases of Karen Ann Quinlan and Nancy Cruzan who were, from a point-of-view, forced to suffer for ten or more years of futile treatment (Miller, 2017). Now, we have advanced directives that allow patients to express their wishes while they are able, yet we still have ethical dilemmas when either those needs are expressed vaguely or not at all. It is in the best interest of the patient and the patient's loved ones for advanced directives to be utilized and kept up to date.

Read MoreEnd-of-Life Decisions: Don’t wait until it’s too late for advanced directives
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