Gray areas…
WOW! Gray’s Anatomy just began with a scene of two physicians debating end-of-life care… One opting for comfort care and morphine… the other accusing the first of “killing” the patient…
As a Nurse Practitioner who prescribes morphine for end of life care and the management of symptoms, I experienced a variety of feelings (responses):
Proud of “Gray’s Anatomy” for addressing a very tough issue; a very real world tough issue. Dying. and Death.
Proud of the job I do on a daily basis…educating and counseling patients and families and helping them work through these tough choices.
Proud of the nurses I work with who carry out the orders to keep the patients comfortable.
Proud of the Hospice staff who come into the nursing homes and provide “extra eyes and ears” so these folks are kept as comfortable as possible.
This is never an easy topic. And there are no easy answers. But when you, and/or your loved one, are ready to let go, I pray there will be compassionate and knowledgeable providers available to help you make those decisions.
And remember, I’m always here as well.
Tags: aging, caregiving, death, death and dying, dying, end of life, hospice, morphine, palliative care
March 3rd, 2011 at 11:28 pm
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Cheers!