So sorry that another month has gone by and not writing...again my personnal life has taken precedent in caring for my parents....My Mom had a small CVA last month and Dad was in the hospital shortly thereafter with CHF ...I believe it isn't going to stop from here on in...the struggles of caring for your parents with declining health ontop on my family and job get a little overwhelming...but I do try to put things into perspective...my husband is the best and helps with house and yard stuff...and usually has a meal ready when I get home...I have my faith that keeps me strong and focus..
My work has also been a saving grace lately...I have a new challenge of precepting an NP student this semester...Usually I find this to be a negative challenge and frustration due to past experiences...but I am enjoying this student. She is mature and experienced and very knowledgeable and willing to learn and help as much as possible...She is even willing to take on complicated patients...wow...So I oblige and set her loose...I think the most memorable experience for her thus far was to watch my interaction and discussion with a patient who was diagnosed with infiltrative hepatic cellular carcinoma...this one day the patient had a rough weekend and was accepting the fact that he wouldn't be able to go home on hospice and would have to be transferred to our inpatient hospice unit...My discussion with him went well and very smoothly...we discussed his wishes of transfer ....At this time I needed to discuss the fact that being a Full Code, as he had currently was designated ,would be futile upon transfer to hospice...he agreed and accepted to be a DNR...I actually looked at this scenerio and wonder how the student took this in ..the conversation that I have had with other patients in the past ...once found it to be a difficult conversation...is now part of my demeanour of being an NP now....This in itself makes me realize how far I have come and able to mentour those who are learing to be an NP preform such and heartful and emotionally discussion such as end of life wishes...
We have had several complicated patients thus far ...it keeps me on my toes and my mind straight and narrow...she has asked some good questions and I have been able to provide her with excellent resources for her upcoming projects and presentations.... I can hosestly say this has been good medicine for my mind and soul...keeps me focused on the days tasks and goals...
I hope I can write in a more timely fashion from here on in..but not promising anything...I do enjoy writing and sharing my experiences....hopefully you are still enjoying as well...thanks for your patience.
