As nurses, we understand that hospice is a peaceful way for patients to transition from this world, but what about our patients’ and families’ perspective? I recently had a patient who, over the last few months, had a significant change in her health. She was diagnosed with cancer and ended up with two major surgeries in a three-month time frame. After the second surgery, the patient decided she could no longer endure the pain and wanted a hospice consult. It was not surprising, as she was elderly, but what surprised me was this patient’s perception of hospice. She truly believed we would be euthanizing her the same way we euthanize…
-
-
Public Comment Period on the 2025 Revisions to the Code of Ethics for Nurses Open Through July 31
Every ten years the American Nurses Association revises the Code of Ethics for Nurses to stay up to date with current trends, challenges and ethical dilemmas facing the nursing profession. Once the panel has gone through the process of meticulously developing the revisions, commenting is opened to the public. The 2025 Revisions to the Code is now open to comments through July 31. The past ten years have seen some drastic and rapid developments in the way that nurses have had to meet ethical challenges and provide quality care. The COVID pandemic of course is but one such event that caused a multitude of ethical dilemmas and quality of care…
-
HAPPY NURSES MONTH- Let’s Celebrate You!
Today is May 6 and it’s Nurses Day 2024 in the US. HAPPY NURSES MONTH- Let’s Celebrate You! We wish all of you, and all nurses around the world a wonderful day! Celebrate Yourselves! Not all employers will even mention or note that it’s May and it’s Nurses Month, or it’s May 6 and it’s Nurses Day. Don’t let that define you! You are a NURSE and You Make a Difference in Someone’s Life Every Day! The American Nurses Association’s theme for 2024 is Nurses Make the Difference. Stand tall and stand proud! Many employers will try to make a celebration, but most are really terrible at planning events, and…
-
Thank You Nurses – Happy Nurses Month
-
Nurses Writing Patient Education Materials
Writing patient educational materials can be a great niche for nurses who love to write and a natural means to grow a freelance career as a nurse writer. The following article, Nutrition in Pregnancy, by Melissa Murphy RN, is a great example of solid patient education. Patient Education Patient education is a huge part of nursing. Education can begin with the physician or other practitioner, but the major portion of the education falls to the nurses. Be sure to go over the materials with the patient to ensure they understand. Patient education is best when it’s interactive and not just handing the patient something to read. Healthcare literacy is maximized…