While familiar with Advance Directives and choices, had no idea what a major study found about what the physician's perspective is on these choices. This audio clip has interviews with some physicians and is useful information to consider when making choices for your own Advance Directive. Click here to listen to an interesting audio interview with physicians on this topic.
Greg Schneider
HVA Founder & President
HCF Creator
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by Rashani Rea & Kathy Douglas
Those who companion suffering daily, such as hospice nurses and volunteers, will surely appreciate this beautiful work. With 62 original art collages by Rashani Réa, five beautiful chapters by Kathy Douglas, and a foreword by Jean Watson, this exquisite book is a peaceful refuge for contemplation, inquiry, reflection and inspiration for those who traverse the joys and sorrows of nursing.
Kathy Douglas, RN, MPH-HA is a nationally recognized nurse leader, filmmaker and entrepreneur.
Rashani Réa is a prolific artist and musician, a creatrice of sanctuaries and a respected spiritual mentor.
“This is a beloved book and beyond a book. It is an evocative, poetic, ecstatic, and inspirited sacred, experiential calling. A calling to you--YES, YOU.”
— Jean Watson, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN, Living Legend (AAN)
“Those who companion suffering daily need to turn inward to metabolize what they have witnessed. This exquisite book, filled with beautiful images and poetic wise words, is the inspiration and support needed to grow a wise heart.”
— Frank Ostaseski, founder and director of the Metta Institute and author of The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully
“In this unique time of the COVID-19 pandemic, this book should be considered a tribute to the tremendous courage being displayed by nurses around the world. There is much wisdom conveyed throughout by those who have been there serving others with such grace.”
— Greg Schneider President, HVA, co-author of The Changing Face of Hospice Volunteering in Hospice and Palliative Care
Replies
Wow.... I was floored listening to this, I had never heard these comments before and I am going to review my Advanced Directive with my wife again and talk through this. 90% of Dr's interviewed said no to CPR, mostly because only 3% of CPR efforts are 'successful' while most either die or are left in a worse state than death.
I also had no idea about the need to induce paralysis for putting someone on a breathing machine, while the patient is conscience and aware - NOT ASLEEP.
The dichotomy between the hope of a miracle, and the outcome of something much worse is staggering. If the medical professionals who witness and administer these measures for patients every day, do not want the same kind of care for themselves, it speaks volumes to the fact we are not talking enough about these things overall. Would most people choose a different path knowing the full story? Perhaps, and yet I believe many others would still want the 1% chance of something miraculous but at least they would be better informed while making that choice.
As I spend time with Hospice patients as a volunteer, I have seen some who are simply waiting for deaths release, and others who struggle day to day with their decision to stop fighting and start living out their life the best they can. It's especially hard on younger adults who's terminal illness is taking them all too soon. It's a difficult and emotional place to be in life, and one that each of us has the right to decide how we live, and how we die.
My sentiments exactly...was a surprise to read these findings as well. If people only knew. Thanks for your comments!!