cultural aspect(sp?) of hospice nursing

Published

Specializes in ER, HH, CTICU, corrections, cardiology, hospice.

I am interested in hospice nursing however I have a problem. My wife and her friend are both Thai and very spiritual. They think that hospice nurse are in some way actively participating in the patients demise as in pushing them forward towards death. This is a karma problem as we are Buddist. I have tried to explain to them that the role of the hospice nurse is to help make the passage more peaceful and dignified, no soap.:sniff: In the ER I've helped a couple of families with the passing of their loved ones, and found it very rewarding and something I might like to persue. If there are any buddist nurse out there that might give me some direction I would be most greatful

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wow...depending on the demographics of your community, the buddhist outlook would be a valuable asset to a hospice!! I think your wife might "come around" if she spoke with a really good hospice chaplain, one that is open and can explore more than just judeo-christian beliefs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am not Buddhist but there are Buddhist hospices in California who do awesome work! Let me see if I can find there web sites for you...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

http://www.buddhanet.net/hospices.htm

Here is a page of many Buddhism based hospices around the world. Perhaps viewing their sites may ease her concerns about this.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, HH, CTICU, corrections, cardiology, hospice.

Amiee Thank you very much for the site. I had another talk with her about interfering with other peoples karma. The gist of witch is that in the buddist way, to ease one's journey into the next world is to pray with them and encourage them to have good thoughts at the moment of death, I.E. where (heaven or hell) you think, that's where you go. By using efemoral means to aleve the persons suffering you visit their karma upon yourself. Depending upon you own level of enlightenment that can be bad mojo if you will. Again thank you for the site.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have the oppurtunity to work with a buddist hospice nurse, he is the most centered, caring, and spiritual person I know.. He helps guide his patients spirtually into the dying process with such skill and dignity..I have had many conversations with him, and feel that his energy levels are so balanced that the dying process to him is the most natural way to enter another realm..

Good luck, your talents and understanding will only help not only your patients, but your colleagues ..Bravo!!! sue hospice

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion