The Final Act of Living: Reflections of a Longtime Hospice Nurse
When we become angry with ourselves, we generally don’t talk about it but hold the anger inside. It has no outlet when held inward and becomes depression.
Barbara Karnes RN • The Final Act of Living: Reflections of a Longtime Hospice Nurse
Death of someone close to us makes us face our own mortality and the mortality of those around us.
Barbara Karnes RN • The Final Act of Living: Reflections of a Longtime Hospice Nurse
What has happened is the anesthetic that Life has given us for the wound has worn off.
Barbara Karnes RN • The Final Act of Living: Reflections of a Longtime Hospice Nurse
“If you can ask yourself ‘Am I going to die today?’ then you are probably not. The day that you die, you won’t ask and you won’t care.” Think of the fear that this simple statement reduces.
Barbara Karnes RN • The Final Act of Living: Reflections of a Longtime Hospice Nurse
The signs of overdosing are drowsiness, thick tongue, slurred speech, seeing things that aren’t there, confusion and slow breathing, generally in that order.
Barbara Karnes RN • The Final Act of Living: Reflections of a Longtime Hospice Nurse
During the labor to leave the body, those minutes to hours, even days before death, the physical body has no demands other than cleanliness and comfort.
Barbara Karnes RN • The Final Act of Living: Reflections of a Longtime Hospice Nurse
Even when the person is still eating a fair amount of good quality food, I recommend beginning to drink some sort of protein supplement.
Barbara Karnes RN • The Final Act of Living: Reflections of a Longtime Hospice Nurse
It is so important that we as health care professionals speak in a language that is understandable.
Barbara Karnes RN • The Final Act of Living: Reflections of a Longtime Hospice Nurse
Trust and bonding are major factors in a hospice relationship. As a patient and a caregiver, we look to the professional for guidance. We are overwhelmed, tired, vulnerable and very frightened.