Hospice Nurses: A Personal Note

Hospice Nurses:

A Personal Note from an Admirer

(Spiritual Counselor/Chaplain)

How do you walk into a home and bring comfort and peace to a family in the midst of losing a cherished loved one?  I wouldn't be able to believe it unless I had seen it for myself. 

Since beginning my work with hospice two years ago, I have marveled at how our nurses find a way to reach into the lives of patients and families to guide them through the steps along the difficult path toward death. 

 I have learned a lot from our nurses.  My favorite practical tip is to mix root beer with morphine or other nasty-tasting liquid medicines.  Other good tips include using the simple, easy ways to keep someone comfortable.   Ice-packs made with baggies or frozen washcloths work well.  And most of all is the support they give to the patients and family members.  When someone comes in who has been there before, they can assure you that you will get through this journey too. 

And the many reminders they give us that we continue living until our very last breath. Nurses show caregivers how to do personal care and how to communicate through touch and gentle words.  How many of our caregivers are new to taking care of someone else in an intimate manner?  Or even spending hours, days, or months of time with a relative in need? How many of us fear illness and death?  And when it comes to a dear family member, how can we ever imagine that they will really die?

No matter when we need their help, nurses will be there.  So be kind to a hospice nurse.  Maybe ever treat him or her to lunch.