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Category Archives: end of life care
REMEMBRANCE
Memorial Day is a day to remember fallen heroes. Many years ago I stood at the edge of the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in France. I looked out over the vast numbers of white crosses, as far as the eye could … Continue reading
Posted in end of life care
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HELPLESS
I’ve had many moments of observing the steady slowing and final stopping of a heart beat. I’ve had countless times to share a patient’s frightening sense of vulnerability as bodies cheat their owners and life becomes uncertain with death a … Continue reading
Posted in end of life care
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THE WORST PATIENT/DIFFICULT FAMILY?
Nurses, not infrequently, have been labeled (very often by other nurses) as “the worst patients; the difficult family member”. Here’s a couple reasons why: nurses invariably assume the role of caregiver in both their careers AND their lives. They historically … Continue reading
PANDEMICS MERELY HIGHLIGHT NURSING HOME PREDICAMENT
A wise saying: There is nothing new under the sun. Suffering is our human condition; we all have some experience with it. Though it seems of late there is just too much. A recent visit to a nursing home reminded me … Continue reading
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“HE WHO CANNOT, TEACHES”
As I thought about who and what have been my greatest teachers in life, I considered the quote: He who can, does; He who cannot, teaches*. Though this quote is considered disparaging to teachers, I like to think of it … Continue reading
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WHAT WE LEAVE BEHIND
Don’t call me morbid because I’ve spent the past few days preparing obituary examples. I’ll be using these for a class of young people to demonstrate a bit of what “legacy” means: something left behind when you are gone. This … Continue reading
NEVER GIVE UP
I am concerned about a new mantra afoot: that palliative care–unlike hospice care– is not “giving up” but is addressing improved symptom management and quality of life (QOL) for all patients with advanced disease. I am disappointed as I read … Continue reading
A FAREWELL IN 2018
As 2018 comes to a close, I am remembering a friend who died this year. Over a period of many months, we had these wonderful talks that seemed a lot like Tuesdays with Morrie,* with moments of her insight shared … Continue reading
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hospicediary 