Category Archives: end of life care

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

WHAT WE WORK FOR

Posted on October 9, 2014 by Amy Getter

Someone reminded me of a note I wrote a number of years ago, working for a hospice agency that was struggling with staying true to the ideal of hospice in the midst of growth and financial burden and government regulation. … Continue reading →

Posted in end of life care, hospice | Tagged , | 1 Comment

BEARING BURDENS

Posted on March 9, 2014 by Amy Getter

The question is asked in various forms, and goes something like this: “How long do you think she has, then?”  I know the question is coming, and I also know I am limited in my ability to answer with accuracy.  We often … Continue reading →

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A CEREBRAL DEATH

Posted on February 6, 2014 by Amy Getter

Some symptoms that perplex and challenge the medical professionals that deal with dying patients have terms like “terminal agitation/anxiety” and “spiritual distress” at the end of life.  There are medications to alleviate these symptoms, but not effectively eliminating the tension and angst that … Continue reading →

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THE TRAIN WHISTLE

Posted on January 6, 2014 by Amy Getter

Lying awake and listening to the train whistle in the early morning hours makes me want to get ready for a trip.  It also reminds me of the messages people share as their lives ebb and they prepare for their final journey. … Continue reading →

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ANOTHER DAY TO LISTEN

Posted on December 26, 2013 by Amy Getter

I re-read something I had written years ago, after the death of my mother.  It was titled, “Not just the daughter”, and I remembered the first-hand experience I had, as a family member, of hospice persons presenting themselves as the expert, and myself … Continue reading →

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No regrets

Posted on November 24, 2013 by Amy Getter

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept  in, forget  them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. Ralph Waldo Emerson What else need … Continue reading →

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MYSTERIOUS TIMING

Posted on October 24, 2013 by Amy Getter

Some years ago I met a couple who did everything together. I remember the man after discovering his partner of 60 years was diagnosed with terminal cancer, said emphatically,  “I’m terminal, too.” Perhaps none of us believed him fully. But … Continue reading →

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THE CONVERSATION

Posted on October 4, 2013 by Amy Getter

It seems that our dinner table is the place for all family levity and includes heavy discussions and lighthearted disagreements.  As we pass around the pasta, we begin pounding out our opinion about a medical study, a friend’s Facebook posting, … Continue reading →

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