Our hospice patient is a 68 year old woman who is diagnosed with non-hodgkin’s lymphoma and brain cancer. Currently she is living at home with her loving husband who is her main caretaker. She and her husband met in Korea when he was stationed there in the military. Eventually they fell in love and moved to the United States where they had two children who do not live in Pennsylvania. When watching our patient she mainly sleeps or watches tv. Emily and I try to talk to her, however she doesn’t really speak due to the cancer and if she does it’s a mix of English and Korean. One of my favorite memories of spending time with my hospice patient is when on Fat Tuesday I took her and her family donuts. It was nice to see the smile on her face as I know she enjoyed them. I have enjoyed my weekly visits not only getting to know the family but also the family pet, Biscuit, their basset hound. I also enjoy when she waves goodbye to me when I’m leaving, showing me acknowledgement. I look forward to our next visit as I anticipate seeing her smile again. Me being there gives her husband a little time for himself to run errands and go to his own doctors appointment. That also gives me a sense of worth knowing I am able not only to help her but also her family.
Since working more closely with my patient I find myself having more patience and being more acceptable to death. In the time that I spend there it’s more about the patients needs then my own. My problems kind of go away and I’m focused on her. I have learned to become a more caring and compassionate person while working in hospice. This has impacted my personal life because I find myself thinking about the next visit and what I can do to help or make her smile. This experience has made me want to explore more in the healthcare field. This experience has allowed me to reflect on my own values in pursuing a career in medicine. I feel that it will make me a more empathetic healthcare provider.
This experience has shaped the way I view hospice because every patient has a different experience. I approach patient care with sympathy, compassion, listening, understanding, and try to ease the pain of their loved ones. This experience is so rewarding due to the fact of meeting and helping patients. It gives you a sense of self worth.
Being able to showcase your understanding of complex medical situations, showing your maturity, and dealing with sensitive situations at the end of life are all valued qualities. Hospice volunteering also allows hands-on experience and emotional support for patients and families. Sometimes you’re dealing with not only physical and emotional needs of the patient but also spiritual needs. It shapes you in situations which I feel are key scenarios that medical schools will look for.