simplyme06

In no way would I become confrontational with the family about their decision. I was simply asking a vast group of knowledgeable peers who may have more experience than I do, about their opinion...hence posting about it on a MB. I'm not sure what you mean by backing up my opinion. Based on the information I gave, It seems like most people understood where I was coming from and understood that the info I gave WAS me being able to back up my stand on the situation. I really appreciate all of the opinions and advice I have received. I do plan on getting in on the next meeting and discussing my concerns and possibly getting a better idea of the reasoning behind admitting this patient to hospice. Thanks.

Yes, of course an MD signed an order for hospice.

Thanks for your input. I have confronted them very nicely about it and the main nurse seems to get very defensive about it. She explained to me that he may be having pain, but may not be exhibiting any symptoms secondary to his dementia. Doubtful. I've dealt with this nurse with other hospice pt's and she's always been great! I think I might just go to my DON about it.

I work in a LTC facility. I have a pt who is 91 and has dementia, but no real terminal illness. He talks w/ the staff and propels himself in his w/c. Very nice man. Obviously confused, but nonetheless, nice and happy. One day, he started coughing and had some SOB, so we did a CXR and slight infiltrates turned up. MD ordered Avelox. Called daughter (DPOA) to let her know what was going on and she became very angry that he was "STILL BEING GIVEN ANTIBIOTICS". She called a hospice center nearby who came out and admitted him right away to hospice care. D/C'd all his meds (including anti-biotics) and started routine Morphine and Ativan to "keep him comfortable". Pt is never in pain, rarely has SOB. IMO, I see no need for Morphine. So he's been on this set up for about 2 weeks now. Whenever the hospice nurses come in, they seem shocked that he's still eating and functioning well. So shocked it seems, that they increased the time intervals for the ATC Morphine and Ativan. Now, I'm not trying to belittle hospice by any means. I totally appreciate the care they give to our terminal patients and those that are actively dying. I also understand that hospice doesn't only help the actively dying patients, but also those that are coming close to the end. In this situation, I just feel as if they are facilitating a faster decline in the patient...and for what reason? I just don't understand. I try to advocate for my pt, but the daughter continues to say that she wants him kept comfortable...yet she's not even here to see that he IS comfortable without all the meds. I guess I'm just confused. Maybe I'm missing something? I've only been a nurse for 2 years, but I can't help but feel like there is something wrong with this. Thoughts?

Hello! I'm 22 years old a new nurse. I've only been working since May. I am also newly married and we just found out that we're going to be having our first baby! We're very excited. We're only about 4 weeks along right now, but I was just wondering what kind of precautions you have taken while you were working and pregnant. I work full time on a busy nursing floor. I know that I need to be careful with giving certain meds and wear gloves with any meds I'm giving, but I feel like there may be other things I need to be careful with that I'm not thinking about. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!