There is a spiritual connection in hospice dealing with death and dying forty plus hours per week. We who are in the field see it often, but there are times we hear it strongly from the patients and families whom we serve. …

I understand the challenges that patients and families face when receiving hospice services. One common issue that arises is the need for after-hour calls, which can add stress to an already demanding situation. However, with proactive care and effective communication, dayshift hospice RN case managers can play a crucial role…

One of the most important roles is to detect and manage infections in terminally ill geriatric patients with dementia. These patients are often at higher risk for infections due to their weakened immune systems, underlying health conditions, and limited mobility. Detecting infections in these patients can be challenging due to…

While not every single visit needs to address educational needs preparing the patient, friends, family, and caregivers for the patient to have a “good death,” every nursing visit should involve making the following assessments in addition to the standard “physical assessment:” Is the patient imminent which typically means the patient…

I have seen many ethical dilemmas arise in end-of-life situations over my time as a hospice RN case manager. Hospice care is unique in that it focuses on providing comfort care to patients who are no longer seeking curative treatment for their illness. As a result, the ethical concerns that…

I have cared for many terminally ill patients over the years. One question that comes up frequently is should the dying patient be on oxygen at the end of life? I see it from both sides, from hospice intake personnel as well as the admitting nurse — all had it…

As a hospice nurse, it is essential to be able to recognize the signs that a patient is nearing the end of their life. One way to do this is by understanding the velocity of changes in their condition. This refers to how quickly their health status is deteriorating. When…

This article is intended to help new visiting hospice nurses who are struggling to maintain work-life balance who may have been told by others their visits are either too long or being questioned why they are taking work home with them. …

Dementia is a progressive brain disorder that affects a person’s cognitive abilities, memory, and behavior. In the later stages of the disease, some patients can become combative and aggressive, making it difficult for caregivers to provide the necessary care. As a hospice nurse, it’s important to know how to approach…