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The presence of a hospice nurse is vital in a hospice treatment team. The team usually consists of a family physician, a specialist medical expert, a social worker, a home health aide, a spiritual support counselor, a volunteer, a hospice nurse, and other specialists depending on the health condition of the patient. In any medical facility, nursing homes, hospitals, etc., nurses play an essential role. Without them, the whole medical fraternity will collapse. This is more important in hospice care, whether set up at home or nursing home. The role and responsibilities of a hospice nurse are paramount for such critical patients.
Discussing the Prognosis of the Patient
It is the duty and responsibility of a hospice nurse to discuss and explain the patient’s prognosis with the family members and other individuals in the hospice team. Hospice nurses are trained differently to conduct assessments and review the medical histories of the patient. Their role includes monitoring the vitals of the patients frequently and also keeping track of the patient’s breathing.
They assess the pain, enquire about them from the patient (if he/she can feel it), and accordingly take measures to make him/her comfortable. The hospice nurses are also responsible for evaluating the living space of the patient and inspecting for any kind of safety hazards.
Educates Caregivers and Creates a Care Plan
Per the physician’s order, a hospice nurse arranges for the indicated oxygen level, medications, hospital bed, and other medicated supplies required for the patient. They also have a role to play in teaching the family members and caregivers of the patients about medicine doses and the potential side effects that patients might experience.
Hospice nurses educate and train to administer medications of the right amount. Additionally, a hospice nurse is always there to answer any queries and questions. They are responsible for creating a defined care plan for professional caregivers that must be followed for optimal patient care. Furthermore, such nurses are licensed and certified to supervise home health aids and licensed nurses.
Key Responsibilities
Some of the essential roles and duties of a hospice nurse in patient care and treatment are mentioned below.
- Work together with physicians and other medical professionals to plan out the treatment
- Frequent visits to the patient to assess his/her health condition
- Giving the right medicines
- Based on the patient’s needs and requirements, offer personalized support and comfort
- Notifying doctors about the condition of the patient, if necessary
- Help the patient and the family members with documentation and paperwork
Conclusion
A hospice nurse has to carry out many day-to-day duties and responsibilities. Whether it is collaborating with physicians, and other members of the hospice team, to lay a plan for a patient’s medical treatment, a hospice nurse has a significant role to play. They pay frequent visits o the patient to assess their health condition and check for any additional support requirements. Time and again, it has been proved that without a certified hospice nurse, the entire hospice team will collapse.
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