Tag: Nursing Assessment
Articles about the nursing assessment often dealing with a terminally ill patient and the goals of maintaining comfort at the end-of-life.
Hospice Eligibility for Diverse Dementia Diagnoses
Exploring Hospice Eligibility Criteria for Alzheimer's, Vascular, Lewy Body, Frontotemporal and other Dementias: Empowering Hospice Nurses to Provide Compassionate End-of-Life Care
Read MoreHospice Eligibility for Diverse Dementia DiagnosesUnderstanding Hospice Eval and Treat Orders
In the world of healthcare, when a provider writes an order to "Eval and Treat" for hospice, they are asking for a thorough evaluation and a tailored treatment plan. This is specifically meant for patients who are being considered for hospice care. Let's delve into what this means and why it's crucial.
What Does "Eval and Treat" for Hospice Mean?
Read MoreUnderstanding Hospice Eval and Treat OrdersHospice Nursing Visit Frequencies: A Guide for New Hospice Nurses
As a hospice nurse, determining the appropriate frequency of scheduled nurse visits for your patients is essential to providing effective and compassionate end-of-life care. Patients and their families often rely on your expertise to ensure comfort and well-being during this sensitive time. In this article, we'll discuss suggested starting scheduled nurse visit frequencies, when to decrease or increase frequencies, and factors to consider based on patient acuity and changes in their condition.
Read MoreHospice Nursing Visit Frequencies: A Guide for New Hospice NursesUnderstanding Hospice Eligibility for Terminally Ill Patients with Non-Alzheimer’s Dementia
As experienced caregivers, we know how crucial it is to accurately assess and determine hospice eligibility for our terminally ill patients. Today, let's focus on patients with non-Alzheimer's dementia. While the FAST scale is not applicable in these cases, there are other signs and symptoms we should be observant of to support and prove hospice eligibility. Let's dive in!
Read MoreUnderstanding Hospice Eligibility for Terminally Ill Patients with Non-Alzheimer’s DementiaAbdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Life-Threatening Condition for Hospice Patients
The purpose of this article is to provide you with some information and guidance about AAAs and how they can be managed in hospice patients.
Read MoreAbdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Life-Threatening Condition for Hospice PatientsUnderstanding the Patient’s Question: When Will I Die?
Navigating the tender journey of hospice care, Compassion Crossing offers guidance on addressing the pivotal question of “when?”—a beacon for caregivers seeking solace and understanding in life’s final chapter.
Read MoreUnderstanding the Patient’s Question: When Will I Die?Understanding the Importance of the PAINAD Scale in Pain Assessment for Terminally Ill Patients
As experienced hospice nurses, our primary goal is to provide the best possible care and comfort to our terminally ill patients during their final journey. Pain management is a crucial aspect of hospice care, and it becomes even more challenging when dealing with patients who may have difficulty expressing their pain due to cognitive impairments or other factors. In such situations, the PAINAD scale emerges as a valuable tool for pain assessment. Let's explore why and when using the PAINAD scale is essential, particularly when patients consistently over or underreport their pain.
Read MoreUnderstanding the Importance of the PAINAD Scale in Pain Assessment for Terminally Ill PatientsUnderstanding Changes in Palliative Performance Scale in the Last Six Months of Life
Explore the crucial insights into the Palliative Performance Scale’s downward trend in the last six months of life. This guide offers month-by-month expectations for caregivers and families navigating end-of-life care.
Read MoreUnderstanding Changes in Palliative Performance Scale in the Last Six Months of LifeA Holistic Approach: Hospice Nursing Assessment vs. Hospital/Nursing Home Assessment
As an experienced hospice nurse, I understand the importance of providing compassionate care that focuses on maximizing patient comfort and removing avoidable distress. The hospice nursing assessment differs from assessments conducted in hospitals or nursing homes, where the focus is often on normal versus abnormal vital signs and lab values. In this article, I will compare the hospice nursing assessment to assessments done in other healthcare settings, providing examples that highlight the unique approach of hospice nursing.
Read MoreA Holistic Approach: Hospice Nursing Assessment vs. Hospital/Nursing Home AssessmentThe Benefits of Deprescribing Medications in Hospice: A Guide for Patients, Families, and Hospice Nurses
I know how important it is to provide comfort and support during this challenging journey. One aspect of hospice care that often raises concerns is deprescribing medications. In this article, we'll explore what deprescribing is and why it can benefit patients nearing the end of life.
Read MoreThe Benefits of Deprescribing Medications in Hospice: A Guide for Patients, Families, and Hospice NursesSignificant Signs a Terminally Ill Patient may be Close to Dying
Recognizing end-of-life signs can be challenging. This guide outlines key symptoms indicating a terminally ill patient may have less than two weeks, offering crucial insights for caregivers and families.
Read MoreSignificant Signs a Terminally Ill Patient may be Close to DyingManaging Terminal Restlessness
Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging experience, and witnessing changes in their behavior and well-being can be distressing. As a hospice nurse, I've supported many families and caregivers through this grim time. One common symptom that may arise towards the end of life is restlessness. In this article, I will explain the different types of restlessness and offer guidance on how to manage them. Understanding these distinctions can provide valuable insights into your loved one's condition and help you navigate the final stages of their life with compassion and care.
Read MoreManaging Terminal RestlessnessUnderstanding Heart Failure Stages and Assessment
Heart failure is a complex medical condition that can impact the quality of life of patients, especially those in hospice care. As a hospice nurse, assessing the heart failure stage is crucial to providing appropriate care accurately. This article will explore the New York Heart Failure Classification System, its stages, and how to assess patients for their stages. Additionally, we will emphasize the importance of documentation in compliance with Medicare guidelines for terminally ill patients with heart failure.
Read MoreUnderstanding Heart Failure Stages and AssessmentUnderstanding Functional Decline in the Natural Dying Process
Explore the journey of functional decline in the natural dying process. This article provides insight for caregivers and families, emphasizing the importance of documenting changes to enhance care and decision-making in life’s final chapter.
Read MoreUnderstanding Functional Decline in the Natural Dying ProcessImportance of Medication Reconciliation in Hospice Care
Medication reconciliation plays a pivotal role in hospice care, ensuring that terminally ill patients receive the most appropriate and safe medication regimens. This process involves creating and maintaining an accurate list of a patient's medications to prevent adverse drug events and enhance their overall well-being. In this article, we will delve into the importance of medication reconciliation, including its recommended frequency and the reconciliation process.
Read MoreImportance of Medication Reconciliation in Hospice Care