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.

Late-Onset Medication Side Effects: The Importance of Continuous Vigilance and Medication Reconciliation

Explore why side effects from medications can emerge after initial use and understand the critical need for vigilant monitoring and regular medication reconciliation to ensure patient safety and efficacy.

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Understanding Hospice Care: Insights from Nurse Peter Abraham

In this episode of Hospice Explained, host Marie Betcher, RN, interviews Nurse Peter Abraham. Peter shares his extensive experience in cardiac telemetry, skilled nursing, and rural home hospice care. They discuss the significance of early hospice enrollment, the challenges of caring for dementia and Parkinson's patients, and the impactful personal stories from Peter's career. Special focus is given to the educational resources on Peter's website, Compassion Crossing, which aims to support families, caregivers, and new hospice nurses. Peter emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding in hospice care and reflects on how his faith informs his practice.

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Uncommon Opioid Side Effects to Know: How They Affect You and Your Family

opioid adverse effects

Learn about uncommon opioid side effects like myoclonus and hyperalgesia, and how they impact you and your family. This guide explains these conditions, offers tips for managing them, and highlights the role of hospice in providing comfort and support.

Read MoreUncommon Opioid Side Effects to Know: How They Affect You and Your Family

The Double-Edged Sword: How Mergers and Acquisitions Are Reshaping Hospice and Palliative Care

As mergers and acquisitions reshape the hospice industry, questions arise about their impact on care quality. This article examines the pros and cons of consolidation, including the expansion of for-profit providers and the challenges of maintaining local identities under corporate ownership. Discover how these changes affect patients, families, and communities in the evolving landscape of end-of-life care.

Read MoreThe Double-Edged Sword: How Mergers and Acquisitions Are Reshaping Hospice and Palliative Care

When Death is Imminent – What to Expect from Hospice

Hospice nurses are crucial in comforting and supporting patients nearing death and their families. This article explores what to expect from hospice care, focusing on patient assessments, educational discussions, and addressing common family concerns.

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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.

Read MoreComprehensive Approaches to Managing Hallucinations in Dementia Patients

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.

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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