Hospice Meeting Reflection

What is Hospice? What do we as people think of when we mention the word, Hospice? “Bereavement” in other words that is not always a true statement. I now been with Hospice going on three years; June 17 2016. I have taken care of most of the patients I have had since day one as yes’ there are long term patients not short term. The Amedisys Hospice service that I work for is special, loving, kind and caring; which we provide comfort and support for our patients, which are facing life- limiting illnesses for each family member and loved ones.

The purpose of experiencing a hospice clinical was to give me the opportunity to observe and participate in the care of my patients who are receiving hospice care in their home. My first encounter occurred in Jenks, Oklahoma at the patient’s personal home. Upon entering the house, we were greeted by his wife and one of their sons. Before we spoke with the patient we had a pre-conference in the patient’s living room with his wife. My nurse asked how the patient’s wife was doing and the wife stated that she needs more help with his care. She feels like her husband needs some form of an assistive device for walking, getting in and out of bed, an assistive device for urinating, and a chaplain. In response to this statement the nurse asked her if she would like a walker,

Hospice and palliative care can be easily intertwined; they are both concerned with promoting comfort and relieving patient pain. Hospice and palliative care, however, are different in some aspects. Patients who receive hospice care are nearing the end of their lives and there is no effort to cure their disease; the goal is to provide pain relief, a sense of belonging from family and friends if desired, support through the dying stages, and to assure that the person is able to die with dignity. Palliative care is also focused on reducing discomfort; however, the patient receiving care can be at any stage in their disease. Additionally, palliative care can also be administered during a time when a patient is receiving treatment to cure their illness.

It is vital to encourage all members of the team to change their current perspectives in order to move towards a more effective mode of operation (Kaminski, 2011). Empower the palliative care team through education. “Organizational members need to feel worthy and psychologically safe, that is, to have no fear of retribution or punishment for embracing the change” (Burke, 2011). In-service training will be provided to all members of the palliative care team. First, reinforcement of thorough assessment skills is mandatory.

Through serving others, I have come to realize that every person, regardless of one’s cultural background, has something to offer to the community. As an immigrant, I was quite hesitant about accepting new challenges. The fear of others’ judgment regarding my performance hindered my progress. However, through serving others in various capacities, I was able to interact and help people in my community, who themselves helped me overcome my fears.  Whether helping patients at St. John Providence or assisting refugees at the American Red Cross, I was amazed as to how much my presence made a difference, especially for those who needed me to interpret for them. The gratitude these people expressed to me enhanced my sense of purpose and made me realize

Palliative care is a form of care for people with serious illnesses that is primarily focused on giving relief to ill patients and to improve quality of life and well-being. Hospice care is similar to palliative care because it helps patients to improve their quality of life through caring for them, not curing them. In contrast, palliative care can be implemented at any point after a patient is diagnosed with an illness, however hospice care has specific qualifications and is used when a patient only has 6 months to live. Palliative and hospice care location can both be administered at a patient’s home. Although palliative care is usually taken place in a hospital or facility of care and hospice care usually doesn’t narrow down to a specific

This week at coastal hospice I felt more comfortable with the staff and was able to address some of the concerns without hesitation. The only thing I still do not like is how I have not been able to keep one consistent preceptor during my rotation. This would not be an issue if I was being trained to work there. I think it is a great idea to learn from multiple nurses and get an insight of the way everyone does something differently. However, I feel that in my circumstance, I should be with one preceptor so I can get some insight about myself to see if I am growing as a nursing student. Nonetheless, when I arrived at coastal hospice on Wednesday I met with Merriam and worked with her for a few hours.

Here at MeSun Hospice we recognize the unique needs of patients with a chronic illness, end stage respiratory illness such as COPD. Our EZ Breathing home program was specifically developed to meet those needs and help patients decrease unwanted, expensive hospitalizations.

SLE Introductory paper This autumn I will be participating in a service learning project through UA Little Rock’s School of Social Work. In order to accomplish this goal, I will be volunteering a minimum of twenty hours at Kindred Hospice. As part of my SLE, this document will provide basic information about my chosen agency, the role of the social worker at the agency and, it will serve to clarify my top learning objectives during this project. Kindred Hospice is a division of Kindred health care.

(2008) Preliminary report of a palliative care and case management project in an emergency department for chronically ill elderly patients. Journal of Urban Health, 85 (3), 443-51. Montefiore Medical Center created a program in their Emergency Department that identified chronically ill, elderly patients. They found that these patients were more likely to need palliative or home care, and later on hospice care. This preliminary report and case management pilot project made connecting patients to such services and ultimately allowing patients far more accessible options to these types of care.

Legacy Hospices missions statement is to affirm life and focus on the quality of life. Legacy Hospices consist of twenty-one offices located in seven states, including Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Mississippi. Legacy Hospices provides care for people who are in their last stages of life. Hospices allow nurses, doctors, spiritual leaders, and rehab teams to stay and work with the patient so the family members can carry out their everyday lives. Hospices job is not to postpone deaths, but to prepare the family in every way possible for that time. I got the chance to work shadow at the office in Livingston. Unlike the other twenty-one offices Legacy in Livingston, does not preform the hospices duties. They are over billing, records, payrolls, checks, and much more for all twenty-one offices. I have learned many tips to carry with me throughout my journey as an accountant.

SDLA 4: Activity 1 Palliative care continues to evolve in providing better end-of-life care and so does nursing care. Thus, nursing practice is enhanced to satisfy the demand of the palliative care. A nurse provides complex care and fulfils the needs of the patients. Nursing involves in caring work, which focus on patient experiencing agony in palliative and haematological cancer care. Nurses worked in a taxing environment, that can be highly stressful, and often they experience physical, psychological and spiritual exhaustion.

From newborn babies to those at end of life, the environmental theory of Florence Nightingale can benefit all populations. A specific population to apply the Florence Nightingale theory to is patients at end of life and hospice care. A patient and family choosing hospice care are in need of a holistic care plan. The goal of hospice care is to reduce symptoms, prevent hospitalizations and maintain quality of life until the end. Psychosocially a patient and family need time to understand and accept the diagnosis.

Today, On Wednesday, September 9, 2015, I attended a beginning of the school year healthcare meeting. The annual meeting was conducted by one of the school nurses and it included all of the second grade teachers. Before today’s meeting I had never attended a health care meeting, but I certainly knew of the importance of having a good relationship and communication between school nurses and educators. A teacher’s responsibility includes so many variables including and foremost a student’s care and safety. Additionally, School nurses help educators in ensuring and caring for student’s and their healthcare needs.

I felt fortunate to have attended the session with Bonnie, an epitome for an ideal hospice care provider. She demonstrates an ability to connect anyone in personal level and with full attention; thereby, making both the recipients and their family feel cared. As she shared her experience, it was reflected that she made sure the care is provided to the patients spiritually; and other needs are also taken care of. Bonnie joined hospice care after realizing the previous career of a social worker was not fulfilling. It was inspiring that she reflected it is never too late to change a career trajectory.