The very first cardinal rule of hospice volunteership that I learned in no uncertain terms is that the dying person's experience is NOT about me, EVER. Whatever they want, believe, think, experience, etc. is only about them. I can never insert myself into that in any way.
That is so true. We also can’t become “sterile” to the patient either. YOU are entering into their story. You are not a robot. And thank you so much for giving of yourself to our patients.
My mother was in care almost two years and I kept telling the administrator and the staff that these residents deserved to be seen and heard. Just because they were there long term did not mean they did not have living to do. Too many care centers have stopped bringing in volunteers for music entertainment, reading to residents , animal therapy., school groups or reading buddies etc. Connection is lacking for these people who most need to know that they are still worthy, important and deserve joy in their days.
I am also clergy. Retired. On my first day of internship in 1980, my supervisor was gone and right after the first service I was asked to come to the hospital where I gave bedside care to a 19-year-old as she was dying. I helped the family to talk kindly andcomfortably with each other and with the young woman. (She was unconscious). First time I ever saw someone die. I saw the last pulse in her neck. A holy moment.
I’m 77, retired psychotherapist/ family counselor….have lived with severe chronic pain for 16 years….no longer have religious faith or even belief in God….the pain has destroyed them….wishing I could find a counselor like you two….youre winderful! Thank you ! ❤️👍🌺
I'm 75. I've been dealing with pain for a few years though nothing even close to your experience. I KNOW that whatever chemicals are released by the body to deal with pain have changed who I am (or thought I was.) Things I used to do so matter of factly have become burdens. Normally a social person I've lost the desire to be with people. There's more, not real extreme, but it just feels like I'm on a drug that's not good for me. Cynthia, I sincerely hope things change for you. You deserve to have a counselor like Cody at the very least. I still pray, though it doesn't feel the same, but when I pray for others I still feel it. I'm going to pray for you. God bless you. ❤ 🙏
How in the world can a Chaplin Offer spiritual guidance and support, including prayer.... if they have no religious beliefs or foundation? Glad to know this. I would never want to take counseling and prayer from someone who doesn't know jesus....
I’m curious of do people who have been bad people to other during their lifetime have a bad death , justice in mine says the lord but have you personally seen justice on bad peoples death bed ,
I have a totally different view now of what a Chaplin is for. I had no idea. I know now if me or a family member is in this end of life stage, for me personally I will call for my Pastor. Thank you for an honest candid discussion.
HI, JULIEEEEEE! You look Great, despite being "casual". 😁😘 Did I mention, "adorable"? I love the way you reacted to the chaplain; nice to see you in conversation with someone.
I didn't think I'd watching this for more than a few minutes, but it's SO informative and interesting. If you haven't been through it you know nothing about it, yet we will all be faced with the inevitable end of life. Thank you so much, Julie and Cody for sharing your knowledge and comfort.
Just curious does hospice hire nurse practitioners? I have always been interested, currently I am a Trauma ICU nurse in school for my nurse prac. I enjoy your videos thank you.
Thank you so much for this channel. My mother-in-law is in hospice with Cancer and is in a LOT of pain. The hospice nurse said that because of the stage of her cancer, the pain can not be controlled. Does hospice ever give up on controlling pain? Is there pain that cannot be controlled with pain medicine? She is suffering so much.I thought hospice could always make a patient comfortable with opiates. What are your thoughts?
I’m so sorry I missed this. You have been such a blessing to me, to my heartaches. I recently lost my most beloved Aunt. She was 81 and she was doing so well, but due to abuse and neglect she was admitted to a hospital and she just kept getting worse and worse. It’s like they don’t care for the elderly anymore. I wanted to ask you, why do they medicate them with fentanyl a few hours before they pass away? I was (and still am) so depressed because my beautiful aunt just died while sedated. Thank you for your videos!
Julie as a woman who started seminary at age 58 may I offer you a suggestion? If you are feeling a call to chaplaincy and earning a theology degree start to explore that sooner than later. you are already working the medical side of hospice. Cody is working the Spiritual side of hospice/palliative care. There’s a lot of dovetailing in that work, but it may be that you would be extremely gifted for the Spiritual side. Trust me, as someone who worked in medical research for many years, those two things are not mutually exclusive and if you are truly hearing a call, it is not gonna go away.
I was watching a video on RU-vid in Amsterdam I think and They will let a 16-year-old go in a do the death by dignity The Guy said They will look at as young as 12 years old with a bad day in Life and the parents are ok with that. At least here in the States it has to be the end of Life thing not just because you can't cope with Life
