Author: Peter Abraham, BSN, RN

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Peter Abraham, BSN, RN, is a compassionate hospice and palliative care nurse, certified end-of-life doula, and grief specialist who walks alongside individuals, families, and healthcare teams during life's most challenging transitions.

Peter's Experience

With extensive experience in heart care, medical-surgical nursing, hospice, and palliative care, Peter is deeply aware of the unique challenges families face during times of illness. His valuable hands-on roles as a case manager and admissions nurse have equipped him with insights into the true needs of individuals navigating these impactful health transitions.

How Peter Helps Through Compassion Crossing

Peter founded Compassion Crossing to provide personalized support that transforms fear into peace. His services include:

Peter also provides staff development training for healthcare teams, helping them feel more confident when caring for patients with chronic and terminal illnesses.

Peter's Mission

Peter's goal is simple: create a supportive environment where no one faces life's hardest moments alone. He writes helpful articles, books, and guides to help caregivers, families, and healthcare professionals feel prepared and confident.

He also shares his knowledge through his YouTube channel, Nurse Peter, where he discusses death, dying, and compassionate care with hospice nurses, holistic nurses, caregivers, and end-of-life professionals.

Life Beyond Work

When Peter isn't working or writing, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Laura, and their two rescue dogs in the beautiful countryside of central Kentucky.

Ready to Talk?

Schedule a free conversation with Peter to see how we can support you, someone you care about, or your organization.

You don't have to face life's difficult transitions alone. We're here to help.

Hospice Care: Embracing Life’s Journey Through Comprehensive Support

Hospice care extends beyond end-of-life support, offering comprehensive services for patients with terminal illnesses. Early enrollment can provide months of valuable support, improving patient and family quality of life through specialized care and resources.

Read MoreHospice Care: Embracing Life’s Journey Through Comprehensive Support

A New Path Forward: Using the Frailty Trajectory Model to Navigate Healthcare Decisions

The Frailty Trajectory Model offers a new way to understand how health changes over time, especially for older adults. This approach helps healthcare practitioners and life transition coaches guide patients through illness with compassion and clarity, making it easier to plan care that matches personal values and goals.

Read MoreA New Path Forward: Using the Frailty Trajectory Model to Navigate Healthcare Decisions

Guide to Becoming a Death Doula: Training Paths and Hidden Pitfalls

Becoming a death doula requires proper training, not just good intentions. While many suggest starting as a hospice volunteer, this path is fraught with problems - from limited training to ethical conflicts. Learn the right way to enter this meaningful field through legitimate certification programs and educational resources.

Read MoreGuide to Becoming a Death Doula: Training Paths and Hidden Pitfalls

Understanding Medication Risks in Hospice Dementia Care: A Guide for Families and Healthcare Teams

Recent University of Michigan research found that benzodiazepines and antipsychotics commonly prescribed in hospice care may significantly increase mortality risk for people with dementia. This article explores these findings and provides essential advocacy guidance for families, caregivers, and hospice professionals.

Read MoreUnderstanding Medication Risks in Hospice Dementia Care: A Guide for Families and Healthcare Teams

Nebulized Morphine: A New Approach to Managing Shortness of Breath in Hospice Care

Nebulized morphine provides significant relief for patients with severe breathlessness, especially in end-stage pulmonary diseases. Learn about its application, dosage, and benefits in hospice care.

Read MoreNebulized Morphine: A New Approach to Managing Shortness of Breath in Hospice Care

When Treatment Conflicts with Values: Why Planning Your Care Goals Before Illness Is Critical

New research reveals that 37% of advanced cancer patients feel their treatment doesn't match their personal care goals—nearly twice the rate of other serious illnesses. This disconnect highlights our healthcare system's focus on fixing problems after they occur, without considering comfort or quality of life. Discover why planning your values and care preferences before illness strikes can prevent this misalignment and ensure you receive care that truly honors what matters most to you.

Read MoreWhen Treatment Conflicts with Values: Why Planning Your Care Goals Before Illness Is Critical

Nurturing the Nurturer: A Comprehensive Guide to Self-Care for Dementia Caregivers

Caring for a loved one with dementia is a challenging journey that can take a toll on caregivers' physical and emotional health. This comprehensive guide offers practical strategies for dementia caregivers to prioritize self-care, manage stress, and maintain their well-being while providing compassionate care for their loved ones.

Read MoreNurturing the Nurturer: A Comprehensive Guide to Self-Care for Dementia Caregivers

A Comprehensive Guide to Diabetes Management for Loved Ones with Dementia

Discover essential strategies for managing diabetes in loved ones with dementia. This comprehensive guide covers blood sugar monitoring, medication administration, diet management, and recognizing emergencies, empowering caregivers to provide optimal care.

Read MoreA Comprehensive Guide to Diabetes Management for Loved Ones with Dementia

Breathing Support Decisions at End-of-Life: When Comfort Matters More Than Time

Facing difficult decisions about breathing support at the end of life? Understand the differences between BIPAP, intubation, and ventilators. Learn how complete advance directives guide families toward comfort-focused care and how end-of-life doulas provide affordable, compassionate support during these challenging choices.

Read MoreBreathing Support Decisions at End-of-Life: When Comfort Matters More Than Time

Revolutionizing Comfort: The Role of Macy Catheters in Hospice and Palliative Care

Discover the transformative role of Macy catheters in hospice and palliative care. This comprehensive guide explores how these innovative devices enhance patient comfort, simplify medication administration, and support caregivers. Learn about their benefits, proper use, and impact on the quality of life for those receiving end-of-life care.

Read MoreRevolutionizing Comfort: The Role of Macy Catheters in Hospice and Palliative Care

When Is It Time? A Guide to Considering Hospice Care for Your Loved One with Dementia

Deciding when to involve hospice care for a loved one with dementia can be challenging. This comprehensive guide helps non-healthcare professionals recognize the signs that indicate it's time to consider hospice, understand the benefits of hospice care, and navigate the decision-making process with compassion and informed judgment.

Read MoreWhen Is It Time? A Guide to Considering Hospice Care for Your Loved One with Dementia

Building Bridges of Care: How End-of-Life Doulas Create Trusted Referral Pathways for Hospice and Palliative Care

End-of-life doulas, also called death doulas or life transition coaches, provide trusted guidance. As independent professionals who support families through illness and transition, we serve as reliable referral sources for hospice agencies and palliative care providers.

Read MoreBuilding Bridges of Care: How End-of-Life Doulas Create Trusted Referral Pathways for Hospice and Palliative Care

Healing Touch: How MNRI Transforms End-of-Life Support for Grief and Trauma

End-of-life doulas play a crucial role in supporting families through grief and trauma. Learn how Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI) offers powerful, gentle techniques to help clients process difficult emotions and find healing during life transitions.

Read MoreHealing Touch: How MNRI Transforms End-of-Life Support for Grief and Trauma

How SupportNow.org Transforms Support for Families Facing End-of-Life Challenges

Learn how SupportNow.org can transform the way end-of-life doulas, caregivers, and families coordinate practical support during life's most challenging moments. This free platform brings together financial help, meal coordination, volunteer assistance, and family updates in one simple place.

Read MoreHow SupportNow.org Transforms Support for Families Facing End-of-Life Challenges

Bridging the Care Gap: How End-of-Life Doulas Support Hospices in the Age of Telehealth

Hospice agencies worldwide face critical staffing shortages, leading to increased reliance on telehealth services. While virtual care helps bridge gaps, the absence of on-site presence creates challenges in patient care. End-of-life doulas offer a compassionate solution, providing essential non-medical support that complements telehealth hospice services and ensures comprehensive care for patients and families.

Read MoreBridging the Care Gap: How End-of-Life Doulas Support Hospices in the Age of Telehealth

How End-of-Life Doula Training Creates Better Hospice Experiences for Patients and Families

End-of-life doulas are transforming hospice care quality through specialized training and collaborative partnerships. Learn how these compassionate professionals enhance patient experiences, support families, and improve hospice satisfaction scores when properly integrated into care teams.

Read MoreHow End-of-Life Doula Training Creates Better Hospice Experiences for Patients and Families

The Hidden Reality of Dialysis: Understanding Life Support, Quality of Life, and Planning Ahead

Dialysis is a choice, not a requirement for end-stage kidney disease. While this life support treatment can extend life, it significantly impacts quality of life through fatigue, time constraints, and physical challenges. You have the right to choose comfort care and hospice instead. Learn why discussing dialysis preferences should be part of every living will and how end-of-life doulas can help navigate these important decisions.

Read MoreThe Hidden Reality of Dialysis: Understanding Life Support, Quality of Life, and Planning Ahead

When Time Becomes Finite: Navigating the Emotional Aftermath of a Terminal Diagnosis

A terminal diagnosis sends shockwaves through the lives of patients and their loved ones. This article delves into the trauma experienced by all involved, examining the intricate challenges faced by hospice and palliative care providers in offering compassionate support while navigating the complex emotional landscape of end-of-life care.

Read MoreWhen Time Becomes Finite: Navigating the Emotional Aftermath of a Terminal Diagnosis

When Fear Prevents Care: How Death Anxiety Threatens Hospice Nursing Excellence

Nursing students' fear of death significantly impacts their readiness for hospice care, affecting the quality of end-of-life services. With severe staffing shortages and insufficient mentorship, new nurses enter hospice unprepared. End-of-life doula education through programs like IDLM provides crucial solutions.

Read MoreWhen Fear Prevents Care: How Death Anxiety Threatens Hospice Nursing Excellence

Navigating the Minefield: Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Geriatric and End-of-Life Care

Medication Related Errors Are The 3rd Leading Cause Of Death In The Usa

Delve into the complexities of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) for older adults, especially those in hospice and palliative care. This comprehensive guide explores identification, risks, and alternatives to PIMs, providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals to enhance medication safety and quality of life for geriatric patients.

Read MoreNavigating the Minefield: Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Geriatric and End-of-Life Care

When Death Comes Unexpectedly: Why Being Prepared Matters More Than Ever

Every year, thousands die in emergency departments unprepared for death. Sudden death in hospitals can be especially shocking for patients and families who haven't planned ahead. This guide highlights why preparation is important and describes how end-of-life doulas can assist.

Read MoreWhen Death Comes Unexpectedly: Why Being Prepared Matters More Than Ever

The Adult Priority You Can’t Afford to Skip: Your Complete Advance Directive

If you're 18 or older without an advance directive, you're putting yourself and your loved ones at risk. This comprehensive guide explains why every adult—regardless of age—should prioritize creating a thorough living will reviewed every 3-6 months, and how end-of-life doulas can help.

Read MoreThe Adult Priority You Can’t Afford to Skip: Your Complete Advance Directive