Since first viewing Tom Jenning’s Being Mortal and reading Atul Gawande’s Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End, I was struck by the idea of the two “unfixables.” The discreteness of the two items yet their broad and encompassing nature, when identified, speaks to the inherent complexity behind what are seemingly simple words: … Continue reading “Understanding End of Life: A reflection about mortality and the patient experience”
Author: A Student
Journey of Acceptance
My time in hospice has taught me many things, but if I had to say the most impactful lesson I have learned, it would be acceptance. Acceptance comes in many forms, such as acceptance in others, acceptance in ways of actions and thoughts, and acceptance in the inevitable. Through my various interactions with hospice patients, … Continue reading “Journey of Acceptance”
A Shifted Mindset
Throughout the past two semesters I have been able to interact with multiple patients in various settings. Whether it was a phone call or an in person visit I am pleased to have had the privilege to help people at the end of their lives. I have grown into a more caring and empathetic person … Continue reading “A Shifted Mindset”
Life and Death
During this experience I am grateful to say that I have made one very meaningful relationship. This patient truly opened up to me about their life and their own personal experiences. I truly never thought that I would have met a person like this in such a short amount of time. When I first began … Continue reading “Life and Death”
The Value of Patience
When I first got an email about becoming a hospice volunteer, I remember reading it and setting it aside as possibly being an activity I’d enjoy spending my time with. When I decided to go ahead and apply, I had really no idea what I’d be getting myself into and what the experience would teach … Continue reading “The Value of Patience”
The Importance of Being Ready
The hospice experience through the Athena Institute is one that will forever change my perspective. As introduced by Dr. Atul Gawande, the first fear that a doctor will experience is the fear that they will not be able to most effectively treat a patient or solve their problem. Although this worry did cross my mind … Continue reading “The Importance of Being Ready”
Re-evaluation of Death
Before deciding to become a hospice volunteer, I would say that my view towards death was a strong portrayal of how society views death – something that should be avoided at all costs. But, through the unique readings and meetings with other hospice volunteers, my views towards death have shifted dramatically. Although I wasn’t able … Continue reading “Re-evaluation of Death”
Emotional Comfort at the End of Life
I was paired with a patient for whom I will use the pseudonym Jane. When I first met her, she would not respond to my questions and even turned her head away from me in frustration when I spoke. So for our first meeting, I just watched an old Western movie with her before she … Continue reading “Emotional Comfort at the End of Life”
Hospice Care and the Importance of Companionship
I have gotten the chance to visit with three different patients through the Pre-Med Hospice program since the end of last fall. One of my more meaningful hospice patient relationships is with the patient I am currently seeing. Jerry is a senior who loves to talk and make friends with people, however, he has both … Continue reading “Hospice Care and the Importance of Companionship”
Greeting card
I remember the monitor beeps as I first walked into the room. It looked stale, the walls were white along with the sheets and the floor. I turned to my patient, her eyes kind, but her voice shaky. Her blue eyes were the only form of communication we had at our first meeting. I could … Continue reading “Greeting card”