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.

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

How a Well-Planned Vigil Transforms the Final Journey for Everyone Involved

Learn why planning a death vigil early with an end-of-life doula creates meaningful final moments, reduces family stress, and helps prevent complicated grief. Discover the profound benefits of this sacred practice for everyone involved.

Read MoreHow a Well-Planned Vigil Transforms the Final Journey for Everyone Involved

Staying Connected Through Health Journeys: A CaringBridge Guide for Families and End-of-Life Doulas

Discover how CaringBridge helps families and end-of-life doulas stay connected during health journeys. This free platform offers privacy controls, easy updates, and community support for chronic illness, terminal illness, and life transitions.

Read MoreStaying Connected Through Health Journeys: A CaringBridge Guide for Families and End-of-Life Doulas

When Family Goes Silent: Finding Help When Loved Ones Won’t Step Up

Primary caregivers often face difficult emotions of isolation when loved ones step back during a chronic or terminal illness. This article thoughtfully addresses these feelings, delves into the reasons for this distance, and provides constructive communication strategies to foster reconnection with hesitant family members. It also highlights alternative support avenues for caregivers, ensuring they feel valued and supported.

Read MoreWhen Family Goes Silent: Finding Help When Loved Ones Won’t Step Up

Enhancing Patient Care: Recognizing Subtle Changes in Level of Consciousness for Hospice and Palliative Nurses

Discover essential techniques for hospice and palliative care nurses to identify subtle changes in patients' level of consciousness. This comprehensive guide covers assessment methods, red flags, and best practices for enhancing patient care—valuable insights for neurological nursing specialists and those aspiring to specialize in this field.

Read MoreEnhancing Patient Care: Recognizing Subtle Changes in Level of Consciousness for Hospice and Palliative Nurses

Safeguarding Seniors: Essential Monitoring of High-Risk Medications in Geriatric Care

A Spoonful Of Pills

Understanding the potential risks associated with certain medications in the geriatric population is crucial. This article explores the top five medication classes that require close monitoring to reduce the incidence of syncope, falls, and mortality events in older adults. Learn how to optimize medication management for safer patient care.

Read MoreSafeguarding Seniors: Essential Monitoring of High-Risk Medications in Geriatric Care

Safeguarding Geriatric Health: The Crucial Role of Regular BEERS Criteria Reviews

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

The BEERS Criteria is vital for improving medication safety in older adults. This article explores the importance of regularly reviewing these guidelines, discussing the frequency of reviews, the potential risks of inappropriate medications, and how healthcare providers can implement effective medication management strategies for geriatric patients.

Read MoreSafeguarding Geriatric Health: The Crucial Role of Regular BEERS Criteria Reviews

Hospice General Inpatient Care: Transforming End-of-Life Experiences Through Real-World Case Studies

Dive into hospice General Inpatient (GIP) care through real-life case studies. Discover how GIP can support patients with complex symptoms, learn about eligibility criteria, and understand why this valuable hospice benefit remains underutilized.

Read MoreHospice General Inpatient Care: Transforming End-of-Life Experiences Through Real-World Case Studies

When Goodbye Isn’t Clear: Understanding and Healing from Ambiguous Loss

Ambiguous loss is a type of grief that happens when loss feels unclear or unfinished. Unlike traditional grief, this emotional pain lacks closure, making it harder to process. Learn to recognize the signs of ambiguous loss and discover practical healing strategies to help you move forward with hope.

Read MoreWhen Goodbye Isn’t Clear: Understanding and Healing from Ambiguous Loss

When Hearts Collide: A Gentle Guide to Resolving Any Conflict

Conflict happens in every relationship and setting. This practical guide teaches a proven 7-step approach developed by conflict resolution experts to recognize, prevent, and resolve disagreements compassionately. Learn essential de-escalation tools for better communication and stronger relationships.

Read MoreWhen Hearts Collide: A Gentle Guide to Resolving Any Conflict

Essential Guide to Hospice GIP Discharge Planning: From Admission to Transition

This guide covers critical aspects of Hospice GIP discharge planning. From initial evaluation to managing symptoms and effective discharge strategies, this article equips hospice nurses and families with the necessary knowledge for optimal care transitions.

Read MoreEssential Guide to Hospice GIP Discharge Planning: From Admission to Transition

Transforming End-of-Life Care: A Holistic Approach to Palliative Care in Nursing Homes

women using a rollator walking down a hallway

Discover how to revolutionize palliative care in nursing homes with our comprehensive guide. From staff training to pain management, learn about the latest approaches to ensure dignity and comfort for residents in their final stages of life. Explore practical solutions to common challenges and find out how to create a more compassionate care environment.

Read MoreTransforming End-of-Life Care: A Holistic Approach to Palliative Care in Nursing Homes

Understanding Neurostorming: A Comprehensive Guide for Caregivers and Families

Neurostorming is a complex condition that occurs after severe brain injury, causing episodes of elevated heart rate, blood pressure, fever, and muscle rigidity. This comprehensive guide helps caregivers, family members, and healthcare professionals understand prevention strategies, early detection methods, home management techniques, and advocacy approaches to reduce hospitalizations while providing compassionate care.

Read MoreUnderstanding Neurostorming: A Comprehensive Guide for Caregivers and Families

Navigating the Complexities of Hospice GIP Care: Ensuring Compliance and Quality

Explore the challenges of hospice General Inpatient (GIP) care, including inappropriate billing and fraud risks. Discover how hospice RN case managers can ensure compliance and quality care through diligent oversight and documentation from admission to discharge.

Read MoreNavigating the Complexities of Hospice GIP Care: Ensuring Compliance and Quality

Navigating Family Denial: Supporting Loved Ones in Terminal Care

When a family can't accept that their loved one is dying, it creates additional stress during an already challenging time. This article offers guidance on communicating with denial, supporting the patient, managing family dynamics, and finding professional help. Learn practical strategies to navigate this sensitive situation with compassion and understanding.

Read MoreNavigating Family Denial: Supporting Loved Ones in Terminal Care

Achieving HCI Excellence: The Ten Moments That Matter Most in Hospice Care

Transform your hospice's quality outcomes with Jose Escobar's proven Polaris 10/10 HCI Execution Framework. This comprehensive guide reveals the ten critical moments that drive hospice excellence and offers practical strategies for executives and clinicians to achieve perfect HCI scores.

Read MoreAchieving HCI Excellence: The Ten Moments That Matter Most in Hospice Care