jenfnp

Well said and very to the point. I think the point of any practitioner's practice should be to incorporate the best evidence based interventions (including no intervention) with the needs of the patient. East/West-- it doesn't matter. In rural health care, I use a wide variety of interventions to help my patients. It is important to keep yourself informed of advances in all areas of healthcare. It is also important to remember that just because we can do something, doesn't mean that we should. I also get really frustrated by herbalists who suggest that an herb might be bettter, safer, etc. than a medication. The designation of a treatment as a medication only implies that it comes in a form that has been processed and perhaps tested and approved by the FDA (or not). Don't think for one second that "herbs" "homeopathic remedies" etc. don't possess active chemical metabolites just like "medicine". Foxglove grows in the garden... in pill form we call it digoxin. (I am pounding on the keyboard now!) Many of my patients come in asking if this or that interacts with their prescription meds. I have to answer (even with multiple herbal resources to consult) that I have no idea because they haven't been tested together. At any rate, if a patient would like to incorporate herbal remedies with their prescription meds, I always recommend one new product at a time to assess any side effects and measure improvement. Thanks for keeping my day very interesting! Jenfnp

Is the client able to provide his/her own care? If the person is able to ambulate, drive, cook, bathe, etc. on their own, then, no they don't need a home health nurse. They should be able to go to an outpatient facility (including the home health agency office) for any dressing changes or lab tests. It is also possible in some cases to teach the client to perform their own dressing changes and flushes. How long is the PICC going to be needed? Does the patient need a port-a-cath? If the client is capable of the care, medicare or other insurance provider may not cover home health care. It is important to preserve the client's self-care abilities, and dignity in addition to conserving our health care resources to ensure the ability to provide care when it is really needed. have a great day. jenfnp:)