babes99

Thank you to eveyone who posted. I tried to ask for more training, and havent been given any. So from that note, Ive been doing my own research and reading up a lot of things about caring for a dying person....so for everyone who gave advice, thank you for helping me out :) :) All I want to do is take care of my pt's right....I feel so good about hospice, Im excited and cant wait to learn more :)

I am a new LPN. My first job is in hospice. I have only worked 3 times....and have had only 4 hrs of training. I love the type of nursing this is as you really get to care for somebody and give that pt your full attention. I have found the few times that I have worked to be very rewarding. I want to stay in this area, but feel like I lack the knowledge and experience to do the best job possible. I really want to take care of my pt's and was just wondering if anybody had any tips or advice to help me out. I had a few questions if anyone wants to answer.... Pt's that ive had always have had morphine and ativan ordered. But if i notice that a pt is not restless in any way, but having a tough time breathing with an increased rate, would you suggest to give only the morphine, or using the combo of morphine and ativan? I dont want to undermedicate, but I also dont want to give something that isnt needed (ativan). Im finding that Im a little scared to give the combo of the two meds. Also, if a pt is maintaing a comfortable state and doesnt show any changes, how often would you suggest to give a dose of meds to keep them at that level? My last pt had an elevated temp of 102-102.6. I gave him 650mg tylenol q4h, kept cool washcloths on his head, took his shirt off, gave him a cool sponge bath and had him covered with only a light sheet.....the entire shift I could not get the temp down. He passed an hour before my shift was up. Is it common to see elevated temps in person that close to passing? He had lung cancer. and does anyone have any other suggestions to decrease a temp? Thanks so much....I need some advice :)