4 answers
Jaylyn
Student
Anchorage, Alaska
1
Question
Asked
675 views
how do you take good care of your patient ? how to deal with a emergency call? how to communicate with your patient while you don't have much to do ?
how do doctors and nurses deal with their patients, while they know they don't have much to do because the patient is gonna die soon, when they told the patients that they don't have much time to live?
4 answers
Michelle Pinkerton
Nurse Case Manager
2
Answers
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
I have worked in every setting as a nurse. In the ER, a patient is either very sick or very injured. I am trying to save a life, stabilize the patient and get them to surgery or ICU. If they have been sick longer, and family is aware that their time is short I will quickly do everything I can to add to their comfort; and then let the family in to be with them. If they pass in the ER, I cover them up to the neck with a sheet, straighten the room (remove code blue supplies) and invite the family in to say goodbye. If they ask, I will pray with them.
As a hospice nurse, my first question to a new patient is always the same. What is your personal goal for this season of your life? I can guarantee comfort and relief from pain, is there something else that would be meaningful to you?
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for giving me advice.
Jaylyn
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
725
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Taking care of patients requires a comprehensive approach that includes not just medical treatment, but also empathy, communication, and support. It's crucial for healthcare workers to build a trusting, compassionate bond with their patients, encouraging open dialogue and mutual respect. This means listening attentively to patients' worries, addressing their needs and preferences, and involving them in decisions about their care. Healthcare workers should also ensure patients get the right medical treatment, follow-up care, and support services to boost their physical, emotional, and mental health.
In emergencies, healthcare workers need to stay calm, focused, and decisive to provide prompt and effective care to patients. When answering an emergency call, it's vital for healthcare workers to quickly evaluate the situation, prioritize actions based on the patient's condition severity, and work with the rest of the healthcare team to ensure a coordinated response. Clear communication is crucial during emergencies, among healthcare workers and with the patient and their family, to share information, offer reassurance, and ensure efficient care delivery.
Even during quiet periods or when there are no urgent medical tasks, healthcare workers can still play a key role in supporting patients emotionally and mentally. This could involve spending time with patients, chatting, offering emotional support, or giving information and education about their condition and treatment options. By showing empathy, compassion, and genuine concern for patients' well-being, healthcare workers can help reduce anxiety, loneliness, and distress, and build a sense of connection and trust with their patients.
Working with patients who are close to the end of their life can be emotionally tough for doctors and nurses, as they face the reality of death and the limits of medical treatment. In these situations, it's crucial for healthcare workers to approach patients with sensitivity, honesty, and empathy, acknowledging their fears, addressing their worries, and providing compassionate end-of-life care. This may involve openly and honestly discussing the patient's prognosis, exploring their care goals and preferences, and facilitating conversations about advanced care planning, palliative care, and hospice services. Healthcare workers should also ensure that patients and their families get enough emotional support, counseling, and resources to manage the emotional and spiritual aspects of end-of-life care. By providing compassionate and dignified care to patients at the end of life, healthcare workers can help ease suffering, promote comfort and quality of life, and respect patients' wishes and values as they reach the end of their journey.
In emergencies, healthcare workers need to stay calm, focused, and decisive to provide prompt and effective care to patients. When answering an emergency call, it's vital for healthcare workers to quickly evaluate the situation, prioritize actions based on the patient's condition severity, and work with the rest of the healthcare team to ensure a coordinated response. Clear communication is crucial during emergencies, among healthcare workers and with the patient and their family, to share information, offer reassurance, and ensure efficient care delivery.
Even during quiet periods or when there are no urgent medical tasks, healthcare workers can still play a key role in supporting patients emotionally and mentally. This could involve spending time with patients, chatting, offering emotional support, or giving information and education about their condition and treatment options. By showing empathy, compassion, and genuine concern for patients' well-being, healthcare workers can help reduce anxiety, loneliness, and distress, and build a sense of connection and trust with their patients.
Working with patients who are close to the end of their life can be emotionally tough for doctors and nurses, as they face the reality of death and the limits of medical treatment. In these situations, it's crucial for healthcare workers to approach patients with sensitivity, honesty, and empathy, acknowledging their fears, addressing their worries, and providing compassionate end-of-life care. This may involve openly and honestly discussing the patient's prognosis, exploring their care goals and preferences, and facilitating conversations about advanced care planning, palliative care, and hospice services. Healthcare workers should also ensure that patients and their families get enough emotional support, counseling, and resources to manage the emotional and spiritual aspects of end-of-life care. By providing compassionate and dignified care to patients at the end of life, healthcare workers can help ease suffering, promote comfort and quality of life, and respect patients' wishes and values as they reach the end of their journey.
Your advice was so helpful!
Jaylyn
Rafia Imran
Student
5
Answers
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
Rafia’s Answer
Taking good care of patients involves a combination of compassion, communication, and professionalism. As a healthcare provider, it's important to empathize with your patients, striving to understand their experiences and emotions. This empathy should guide your interactions, helping you to address their concerns with genuine care and attention. Clear and effective communication is also crucial; always explain medical procedures and conditions in understandable terms and ensure your patient feels heard and informed. Even in quiet moments when it seems there isn't much to do, maintaining a presence, checking in, and offering reassurance can make a significant difference. In emergencies, stay calm, communicate clearly, and act efficiently to manage the situation according to established protocols. When dealing with patients facing end-of-life issues, handle conversations with sensitivity and honesty, providing comfort and ensuring they understand their condition while respecting their dignity and choices. This approach not only helps in providing clinical care but also supports the emotional well-being of your patients.
Martin Schoen
APRN
279
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Great question! In the world of healthcare, there's truly never a moment when you're not doing something. When it comes to caring for a terminal patient, communication becomes a crucial part of the process for both parties. This could mean lending an ear to their stories, offering a comforting hand to hold, or simply being present in the room with them.
Caring for someone at the end of their journey is never an easy task, but the presence of a compassionate person can make their transition smoother for both parties involved. The most important thing is to be kind, patient, open-minded, and most importantly, be your genuine self. Sometimes, these situations allow us to discover more about ourselves.
Caring for someone at the end of their journey is never an easy task, but the presence of a compassionate person can make their transition smoother for both parties involved. The most important thing is to be kind, patient, open-minded, and most importantly, be your genuine self. Sometimes, these situations allow us to discover more about ourselves.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Jaylyn
Delete Comment
Flag Comment