Author Archives: Amy Getter

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About Amy Getter

MS, RN, CHPN

WHAT AN OVERCOMER LOOKS LIKE

Posted on February 16, 2016 by Amy Getter

Ettie never told me that “My mission in life is not merely to survive; but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style.”  (Maya Angelou).  But she had lived this… She thrived. … Continue reading →

Posted in family of the dying, hospice story, telling stories | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

TEARS IN HEAVEN

Posted on January 6, 2016 by Amy Getter

I heard many stories later in the evening, while we were sharing remembrances of her, stories of the two of them while they lingered together, of her beloved Henry as he sat smoking his pipe in the far corner of … Continue reading →

Posted in Aid in dying, end of life care | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

THE HEART OF HOME

Posted on December 1, 2015 by Amy Getter

A hospice nurse travels into many abodes.  So often these homes speak of dreams and accomplishments, or regrets and failures, but they always seem to frame a part of the owner’s story.  Like Cathy’s final work of art, her dream … Continue reading →

Posted in death bed vigil, end of life care, family of the dying | Tagged , | 4 Comments

IN THE MOMENT

Posted on November 5, 2015 by Amy Getter

“I’ve taken care of things all my life, and I’m doing the end planning, too, because that way it will be done to my satisfaction,” says my 91 year old patient.  She’s completed financial affairs, even has her funeral expenses … Continue reading →

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BEING LED

Posted on October 13, 2015 by Amy Getter

  “The truth is, when you were young, you tied your own belt and went where you wanted, but when you are old, you will put out your hands, and someone else will tie your belt. They will lead you where … Continue reading →

Posted in advocacy; patient rights; hospice nurse, end of life care, Wishes | Tagged , | 5 Comments

IT COULD BE THE LAST THING YOU EVER SAY

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Amy Getter

I have been touched many times by someone’s last words.  And sometimes, I am deeply saddened.  At my final visit with my doctor-patient, his only tenuous words to me were the question, “What is my PT/INR?”,  as he lay in … Continue reading →

Posted in cancer, end of life care, goodbye | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

THE STORY TELLER

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Amy Getter

I’ve been listening to and loving stories for most of my life.  As the next to the youngest in a family of six children, there were always stories: about the years before I was born, and after I was born, … Continue reading →

Posted in end of life care | 2 Comments

LISTEN. LOVE. BE.

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Amy Getter

A question is asked, “What are the qualities or characteristics that I attribute to a successful leader in the nursing field in today’s ever-changing healthcare landscape?” * Well, some things are unchanging.  Patients are still dying, and nurses are still … Continue reading →

Posted in end of life care, nurses are heroes | Tagged , | 2 Comments

THE “H” WORD

Posted on June 23, 2015 by Amy Getter

Hospice is not the only “H” word I know.  Hospital bed is the other offensive word.  My sweet, amiable 80 year old patient lashed out at me, “I don’t want a hospital bed, don’t talk about it ever again” in … Continue reading →

Posted in advocacy; patient rights; hospice nurse, end of life care | Tagged , | 3 Comments

GRADUATION DAY

Posted on June 2, 2015 by Amy Getter

Difficult to escape from my day job, I find myself honing in on statements while I am entertaining myself in the evening.  Such as from the movie Beginners, when the son says, “You’re not getting better, there is no stage … Continue reading →

Posted in hope, loss | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments