Wow! It’s been a
while! I am still busy practicing at the hospital, learning and observing. One of my goals each day I work is to chat
with the family of my patient and understand what they and their family member
really wants. Often I am dealing with elderly
patients. I know we all think we’ll live
forever, but like a machine after many years, we wear out. Even though we have many tools we can use to
help people get better, or get ‘over the hump’ of surgery, sometimes it is just
too much for us.
So what should the considerations be then? First and foremost, there should be little or
no pain and suffering. Problem is, we
cannot often talk with those that are seriously ill. They can’t tell us they are in pain. So that’s all the more reason why we should
think it through and consider the reality of the situation. This is where an expert Advocate comes
in. This is where we should talk about
end of life comfort, or the possibility of recovery. Frank discussions of medical possibilities,
or none is paramount here. So talk about
‘What if” scenarios with your family. It
is difficult, but important. Would you
want to be in pain, unable to recover but unable to tell anyone?
I’m also delighted to mention I have been invited to speak
at the World Conference on Nursing in Dubai this month!
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