There are definitely some patients who would appreciate a gesture like this and some who would not. I say with the ones who will, go for it. It will probably brighten their day. Just make sure that the material you are using can not be interpreted the wrong way. If you're like me, I know which patients I can joke with and which I can't.
Sometimes a smile from the hospice nurse is the only smile a caregiver or a patient might see all day. A joke or a little small talk is sometimes just the right thing. Take your cues from the family but don't stop wanting to be a bright spot in their day. That's the heart of hospice nursing.
And don't stop posting! I'd like to hear how things are going for you.
Specializes in Pediatric Intensive Care, Day Surgery.
With all this mumbo jumbo going on, I think that maybe you should turn your SMILES you were thinking about into COMFORTERS, or something like that. Instead of smiling that makes them smile, find a quote that comforts them. and always make sure your patient is comfortable and if they can voice their opinion, make sure you have done anything and everything you can to make them comfortable whether it is wipe their nose, turn them on their side ( and dont run and get a CNA to do it either, repositioning is basic care for nurses ) or just get them a drink of water. you know all of this. just do your best. dont let anyone bring you down because in your soul you know what your job is and make sure that you get it done and done right.
:)
nurscee,
when you post on a bb, you are going to get a wide variety of feedback; and it's not always for you were looking for. no one called you stupid or insensitive. you need to reread your post and assess on how it could possibly be interpreted. it's unfortunate you got so defensive. all we were doing was trying to help.
I really never dreamed some of you would think I was so tactless.
Did you really think I would barge in, push a piece of paper at someone, giggle and leave?????
I DO talk, hold hands with, change bandages, cry with, hug, listen....The extra smiles are just that...extras.
and they aren't for everyone.
Believe it or not, I do have a lick of sense.
I'm not 'chirpy' or stupid.
From now on, I'll keep my ideas to myself.
I'm sorry you feel insulted. Listening, assessing needs, empathy, teaching, and smiles are all important for the hospice patient. That is clarified well in your last post. You have received some good feedback. Don't be discouraged by some of the responses you read on the board. Posts are generally kept short and sometimes it is difficult to read between the lines.
Don't be discouraged by some of the responses you read on the board. Posts are generally kept short and sometimes it is difficult to read between the lines.
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The Journey Is The Reward
good point worldsoul. and nurcee did ask for input/opinions- one is not always going to get the answers they were hoping for. it's all in perception;of the question and the answer. you base your answer on how detailed the question is. sure i've had pts i could joke around with- but yeah, you need to assess your patient and what frame of mind they're in. often you can joke w/the pt. but the family member gets offended. it's a delicate balance, for sure.
angieRN
32 Posts
There are definitely some patients who would appreciate a gesture like this and some who would not. I say with the ones who will, go for it. It will probably brighten their day. Just make sure that the material you are using can not be interpreted the wrong way. If you're like me, I know which patients I can joke with and which I can't.
Good luck.
Angie