Imagine you or a loved one receive a life-limiting diagnosis. Imagine the fear, loneliness and confusion that such a diagnosis might bring. While these feelings may be common amongst people experiencing a life- limiting diagnosis, that does not make them any easier to manage. Having the support of a compassionate medical team is critical during this time. Nurses play an instrumental role on such a team, guiding patients and families through the difficulties that come with managing illness. Their role is even more important when it comes to hospice care. Nurses take on a variety of roles when providing care and support in a hospice setting. While this work includes pain and symptom management for patients, hospice nurses must respond to the psychological, interpersonal and spiritual needs of their patients. In addition, hospice nurses often provide emotional support for family members. Nurses also play a vital mediator role between a patient, their family and other members of a hospice care team. However, what truly distinguishes hospice nurses from nurses working in other contexts is the special time hospice nurses spend with patients, whether that be through sharing stories, advocating for patient needs or providing general emotional support to improve patient wellbeing. There is no doubt that it takes an incredible person to act as a hospice nurse. The job of a hospice nurse can be demanding and sad at times, as they deal with terminal illness, while also being enlightening and rewarding, as they contribute to preserving the colour in a patient’s life. Hospice nurses carry a great deal of responsibility as they must navigate advocating for their patient’s interests while balancing family expectations, which may not always align with the wishes of a patient. Often, hospice nurses are the sole source of support for families and patients experiencing the confusion, fear and overwhelming feelings that come with a life-limiting diagnosis. This can be a heavy load to bear but is something that hospice nurses navigate daily while simultaneously ensuring that their patient is informed and as comfortable as possible. Imagine being a patient or a family member trying to navigate this process alone, without the support, kindness and care of a hospice nurse. These special Celebrate Hospice Nurses May 9-15, 2022.
and hardworking individuals deserve both recognition and gratitude for their dedication to assisting patients and families. This National Nurses Week is from May 9-15. Find a moment to share your appreciation for hospice nurses and the necessary and selfless work they do to support those navigating a very difficult time.
Recommended Resources
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End. - Author, Atul Gawande
In this award-winning book, Atul Gawande, a surgeon by trade, covers end-of-life care and hospice care and explores his thoughts on how modern medicine has changed the experience of dying.
"Simply outstanding. I picked this book up for my holiday read, and I devoured it. It is so insightful, philosophical, and ultimately leaves you wanting to make the most out of life, and treat others with empathy."
Recommended Podcasts
The Waiting Room Revolution
What's Your Grief Podcast
Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley
Facebook: @PalliativeCareBowValley Twitter: @PCSBowValley
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