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"Healing Conversations" by Nance Guilmartin I had the honor of meeting this author at a seminar, and found her extremely helpful. check out her website at http://www.NanceGuilmartin.com You won't be disappointed!

Thanks for all your suggestions! It's always nice to "suggest options" to the docs after hearing from other nurses. Cheryl

Hi all! Any suggestions on how to relieve scrotal edema? Not meant to be a joke. I have 2 guys, one with Pancreatic CA, and pitting edema in his lower extrem. MD has him on a 5 day trial of HCTZ and Spironalactone BIDx's 5 days. Does not want lasix right now. This guy has great discomfort "down below, and I'm not sure what to suggest. My other guy has T Cell lymphoma, with profuse weeping in his lower extrem. His disease is far more advanced, so I'm not sure if I can manage his scrotal edema. My concern with this guy is that his foley insertion site is not visible because of the massive swelling. Both guys have voiced great concern and discomfort, and 80mg of lasix BID has not helped at all with pt #2. Any suggestions or comments?

Your daily bowel movement is about 10:00pm.

LOL. I try not to carry too much in there. I have a bin kept in my car with bandages, foley kis, etc. I usually keep my drug handbook, stethescope cuff, basic bandages, penlight, scissors, gloves and soap.

A 12 pack:idea:

I went into Hospice when my mom's prognosis didn't look good. I feared the unknown. I wanted to be prepared to help my mom have the most comfort in what I thought would be her last year of life. Thankfully, she is doing well, and I found Hospice to be the "Florence Nightingale" of all the areas of nursing I've tried. Good luck with your research.

There is a wonderful story behind it. But long story short, I'm holding a rescued hummingbird. Its my favorite pic. Thanks for inquiring! Cheryl

Interesting and valid points Red.. Thank you!

Hi all.. Just wanted to reply about why I was giving report. I admit, I was totally wrong, and I'm embarrassed, because my supervisor has said many times over, NOT to give report while driving. Granted, the snow did play a factor, I'm sure my reflexes would have responded better had I not been on the phone. This is humbling to bring up on the thread, however, if it stops someone else from doing it, It's worth it!

I just got in my first car accident........While giving report on the phone. I'm ok, it was mild, but Please fellow nurses.. THINK TWICE about doing the same. FYI Cheryl:eek:

Hi, and welcome. I can relate to your story because I too, am new to hospice.(3 months) I recently posted about the heavy focus on recerts, paperwork etc, at the end of my "angry patient" thread. Yesterday, as a matter of fact, I went to my director, and told her how much I loved my job, and let the point be known to please be patient with me because I really like what I'm doing, and want to do well. I was starting to lose focus on my patient goals because of all the "policies and procedures" we are faced with learning. I empathize with you, and understand where you are coming from. With all the stress you are enduring right now, I pray you will be blessed by a patient with whom YOU have made a difference, and places a gentle reminder in your heart that are in the right field. Best of luck

To be honest, I felt I could forsee more goals during my first month of working with hospice. Ya know when I was "shadowing" people. I know I have it in me to make up a great unique careplan for my patients, but lately, its been difficult, because in the past 2 months, I've had to learn so many things about pain management, company policies, AND use of a laptop. It seems so hard to keep up with recerts, updating care plans, orienting home health aids, communicating with other members on the interdiciplinary team, etc., its easy to get off focus. (This is only my 3rd month as a hospice nurse) Don't get me wrong, I LOVE IT. It was just nice to have read your post, and what others wrote. It helped me to sort of "re-focus" if you know what I mean.:) I recommended this website to several employees today. It has definately had a positive impact on my job. Thanks! I hope I can inspire someone out there as well.

Don't ever resonsider your dream of becoming a nurse! This was a learning experience for you. If you think real hard, I bet you can think of 3 positive pieces of knowledge you gained by this experience. I had a similar experience watching my first C-Section. Made me sick. (And at least the woman had some pain med.) But it was just the whole "man handling" and poor bedside manner that got to me. I recently started working as a Hospice Nurse. All I can say is: I found my calling. You should check out the hospice thread. I bet you will truly be moved. And possibly even consider it in the future. Best of luck!!!!

CCCC has an excellent Nursing Program. I graduated in 1993. My nursing career in now in Hospice. Best of Luck.