I write this from my grandmother's room at Rockford Memorial Hospital, where she's in the final day(s) of her life. I'm kinda frustrated, but I'll try to stick to the point of this post... First, credit where credit is overwhelmingly due. To the nurses Erin and Heather, and I think Cindy, your extraordinary understanding and expertise was so appreciated. I wish we could clone you. Dr. Bullock, who resembles John Belushi a bit, is an ideal doctor. He gets it, he cares, and he treated Nana with the perfect touch. And Leslie, the palliative care liaison, is the perfect person for her position. She didn't just come in spout hospital policy at us. She asked us about Nana, her life, her last wishes, how we were doing, etc. Mom and I have been impressed with the care Nana has received. A couple of pointers: - If you have any involvement with the patient, you might want to read the chart first and actually talk to the family. How does the patient do with movement? Back pain? Neck pain? Hip problems? Might be a good idea to invest in that before taking any action in pursuit of a prescribed treatment.
- Morphine - always remember: you can update the computer after the morphine injection. The computer doesn't suffer at all while waiting for its update. Patients, on the other hand, do.
- Visitors... (this doesn't apply to the great gentleman, Marv)... visitors are a tricky thing. When the patient is suddenly in great pain, and disrobing themselves in fits of anguish, and you remain in the room while discussing your Chrysler Sebring, you're rude. And when the family asks you to leave the room, and you do, it probably means to wait until the episode is completely over - not until you get bored in the hallway. Yes, you knew my grandparents. But really... didn't knowing these great people carry over into respect?
My blog sometimes serves as a vent for me.So vented. I'll have another post to write in a day or so... |
