Author: Peter Abraham, BSN, RN

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Peter Abraham is a seasoned nurse committed to supporting nurses, caregivers, families, and patients in their learning, growth, and well-being journey. His extensive nursing career includes practical experience as a cardiac telemetry nurse in a dynamic cardiology unit at a Magnet-awarded teaching hospital. Additionally, Peter has served as a second-shift RN supervisor, managing an entire building in a Skilled Nursing Facility/Long-Term Care (SNF/LTC) setting with 151 residents. Notably, during the initial wave of COVID-19, the facility achieved an impressive near-100% recovery rate before the completion of Operation Warp Speed.

Peter's nursing career also extends to rural home hospice care. As a visiting hospice registered nurse case manager, he provides compassionate care to patients in various settings, including private homes, personal care homes, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and hospitals. 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.

Peter is the author of Empowering Excellence in Hospice: A Nurse's Toolkit for Best Practices, Holistic Nurse: Skills for Excellence, Compassionate Caregiving, and the Dementia Care Essentials series on Amazon. His work aims to provide valuable resources and guidance for hospice care professionals, ensuring that patients and their families receive the best possible support during challenging times.

Beyond his hands-on care, Peter also writes articles to empower caregivers, family members, and fellow nurses in end-of-life care. His passion for helping others is deeply rooted in his love of Christ Jesus. To learn more about Peter, you can listen to an interview by Marie Betcher, RN, on her Hospice Explained Podcast Series, as well as subscribe to his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@NursePeter

Oral Ketamine in Palliative Care: A Promising Approach for Emotional and Psychological Distress

Discover how oral ketamine is emerging as a game-changer in palliative care, offering rapid relief for severe depression, anxiety, and emotional distress. This comprehensive guide explores its potential benefits, administration methods, and important considerations for patients and healthcare providers.

Read MoreOral Ketamine in Palliative Care: A Promising Approach for Emotional and Psychological Distress

RUSH Medical Center’s Caring for Caregivers: Supporting Those Who Support Others

Hospice nurse talking with the family

RUSH Medical Center's Caring for Caregivers (C4C) program offers vital support to those caring for adults 60 and older at home. Learn about the program's comprehensive approach, including skill-building sessions, planning assistance, and care-team coordination. Discover how C4C makes a difference in caregivers' lives and improves patient outcomes.

Read MoreRUSH Medical Center’s Caring for Caregivers: Supporting Those Who Support Others

Poop Muffins and Power Pudding – Helping Maintain Regular Bowel Movements

Discover how "poop muffins" and "power pudding" can help maintain regular bowel movements. These fiber-rich recipes are especially beneficial for those experiencing constipation, including the elderly and individuals on certain medications. Learn how to make these tasty, digestive-friendly treats at home.

Read MorePoop Muffins and Power Pudding – Helping Maintain Regular Bowel Movements

Comprehensive Approaches to Managing Hallucinations in Dementia Patients

Explore comprehensive approaches to managing hallucinations in loved ones with dementia. This article covers pharmacological methods, focusing on Seroquel and non-drug strategies such as Naomi Feil's validation therapy. Learn how to validate feelings, de-escalate fear, and improve the quality of life for those experiencing cognitive impairment.

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Empowering Caregivers: Effective Communication with Healthcare Providers

Discover how to use the CUS tool and Caring Feedback Model to advocate for your loved one's health. This guide empowers caregivers to communicate effectively with healthcare providers, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed.

Read MoreEmpowering Caregivers: Effective Communication with Healthcare Providers

How to Identify End-Stage Parkinson’s for Hospice Admission

Parkinson's disease stages of progression

Identifying end-stage Parkinson's for hospice admission can be challenging. This article explores key criteria, including decline in function, weight loss, swallowing difficulties, and mobility issues. Learn how hospice professionals assess patients and utilize guidelines to ensure appropriate and timely hospice care for those with advanced Parkinson's disease.

Read MoreHow to Identify End-Stage Parkinson’s for Hospice Admission

Crisis Management at End-of-Life

Crisis At End Of Life Dying In Pain

Discover effective strategies for managing end-of-life crises in hospice care. Learn how to recognize signs of distress, implement calming techniques, and provide compassionate support to patients and families. This guide offers practical tips for hospice nurses and caregivers to navigate challenging situations with confidence and empathy.

Read MoreCrisis Management at End-of-Life

Understanding Palliative Sedation: A Comprehensive Guide for Hospice Care

This guide covers the essentials of palliative sedation for hospice patients, including ethical dilemmas, timing, recommended medications, and monitoring effectiveness, ensuring comfort during the end-of-life journey.

Read MoreUnderstanding Palliative Sedation: A Comprehensive Guide for Hospice Care

Understanding Interstate Hospice Transfers: A Comprehensive Guide

Man In Wheenchair Being Helped Into Medical Transport

Navigating interstate hospice transfers can be complex. This guide explores the process, challenges, and considerations for patients and families. Learn about Medicare regulations, coordination between hospice agencies, and how to ensure continuity of care when moving across state lines during end-of-life care.

Read MoreUnderstanding Interstate Hospice Transfers: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Communicate Effectively with Healthcare Professionals as a Family Member of a Patient with a Terminal Illness

Laura Holding Her Moms Hand

Learn how to communicate effectively with healthcare professionals when caring for a loved one with a terminal illness. Improve communication, advocacy, and coping skills to ensure your loved one receives the best care possible.

Read MoreHow to Communicate Effectively with Healthcare Professionals as a Family Member of a Patient with a Terminal Illness

Hospice Care for the Terminally Ill: Beyond Vital Signs

Hospice care is a unique medical approach that prioritizes comfort and peace for the terminally ill rather than vital signs or curative treatments. It offers holistic support, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. This compassionate care improves the quality of life, dignity, and a peaceful end aligned with the patient's values.

Read MoreHospice Care for the Terminally Ill: Beyond Vital Signs

Bowel Management for the Terminally Ill: A Guide for Caregivers and Hospice Nurses

Managing bowel problems in terminally ill patients is crucial for their comfort and dignity. This guide offers practical tips for caregivers and hospice nurses to address constipation, diarrhea, bowel obstruction, and ascites, ensuring patients' better quality of life.

Read MoreBowel Management for the Terminally Ill: A Guide for Caregivers and Hospice Nurses

A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing Dementia and Providing Compassionate Care

A female doctor with their patient

Dementia is a complex condition affecting millions worldwide. Diagnosing dementia requires the expertise of medical professionals specializing in cognitive disorders. By guiding families and caregivers through the diagnostic process, you can empower them. In this article, we'll explore the steps to find the right specialist for a dementia diagnosis and how families can prepare for the crucial doctor visit.

Read MoreA Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing Dementia and Providing Compassionate Care

The Importance of a Formal Diagnosis for Dementia: A Comprehensive Guide

Differential Diagnosis for Dementia

Getting a formal diagnosis of dementia is essential for understanding the condition, accessing appropriate treatments and support services, and ensuring the best possible care. This comprehensive guide explores the importance of a specific diagnosis in predicting patient needs for comfort and quality of life, as different types of dementia require distinct care approaches. Avoid the risks of a generic diagnosis and empower yourself with knowledge.

Read MoreThe Importance of a Formal Diagnosis for Dementia: A Comprehensive Guide

Strategies to Help Dementia Patients Use CPAP Overnight: A Caregiver’s Guide

Caregivers can find it challenging to ensure dementia patients wear their CPAPs overnight. This article offers practical tips and strategies to help caregivers ensure comfortable and uninterrupted CPAP use for their loved ones.

Read MoreStrategies to Help Dementia Patients Use CPAP Overnight: A Caregiver’s Guide

Compelling Hospice Nursing Narratives: Ensuring Continued Eligibility and Comprehensive Care

This guide covers how to write effective hospice nursing narratives, key documentation areas, and the importance of detailed and negative-based wording to support continued hospice eligibility.

Read MoreCompelling Hospice Nursing Narratives: Ensuring Continued Eligibility and Comprehensive Care

Kennedy Ulcers: Understanding, Identification, Care, and Significance in the End-of-Life

Kennedy ulcers are skin lesions that can develop in individuals nearing the end of life. This guide explores their appearance, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. It offers insights into identifying Kennedy ulcers and providing comfort through pain relief, hygiene, and repositioning. Additionally, it addresses the emotional impact and coping strategies for caregivers and loved ones.

Read MoreKennedy Ulcers: Understanding, Identification, Care, and Significance in the End-of-Life

Understanding Self-Soothing Sounds During the End-of-Life

Daughter Kissing Her Dying Mothers Forehead

The journey towards the end of life can be a challenging and emotional time, both for the individual facing the end of their life and for their caregivers and family members. One aspect of this journey that may be unfamiliar to many is the presence of self-soothing sounds made by the patient during the transition and actively dying phase. These sounds can be puzzling and sometimes unsettling for caregivers and family members who have never witnessed them. This article will explore self-soothing sounds, why they occur, and how caregivers and family members can distinguish between self-soothing sounds and signs of discomfort.

Read MoreUnderstanding Self-Soothing Sounds During the End-of-Life
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