When I first told my friends and family that I was going to volunteer at a hospice through this program, they all told me that this was probably the worst experience for me to have. They all said I was too sensitive and that I would not be able to separate what I felt at … Continue reading “Redefining a Doctor’s Success”
Author: A Student
The Attitude Towards End of Life
Jenny was my first patient through this program. When I first arrived at the facility, I was surprised to find that she was out of her room and in the common room instead. When I introduced myself, I knew she wouldn’t be too alert to what I was saying, so I tried to let her … Continue reading “The Attitude Towards End of Life”
Rebecca’s Sculptor
Perhaps the most meaningful relationship I have had with a hospice patient was with a woman who I will call Rebecca, a name I have borrowed from a wooden sculpture she created. From the first day I met her, I could tell that Rebecca was a free-spirit. For most of her life, she created beautiful pieces … Continue reading “Rebecca’s Sculptor”
What I Know of Life, I Learned from Death
Martha is a vibrant, witty woman. She seems a bit nervous sometimes, but she loves to chat. She is always in a common area, sassing the staff or trying to talk to other patients. When we talk to her, she jokes about her messy hair, and then she reaches up, cracks her endearing sideways smile, … Continue reading “What I Know of Life, I Learned from Death”
Lets (Not) Talk About Death
I love volunteering in hospitals, seeing patients light up as I bring books, drinks, or pillows for them. But volunteering in hospice is different. I have nothing to offer patients but myself, my presence, and my comfort. Even though many patients on the floor are terminally ill, the idea of death was brought up very … Continue reading “Lets (Not) Talk About Death”
The Moments of Life
When I applied to be a hospice volunteer, I expected and embraced the fact that I would have the opportunity to serve others. I did not realize just how much the experience would provide to me in return. With the intention of pursuing a career in medicine, my time serving as a hospice volunteer has … Continue reading “The Moments of Life”
Don’t Count The Days. Make The Days Count.
The patient I spent the most time with was one who has been bedbound for years following his stroke and consequent paralysis. Over the months I visited him, I’d like to think I became a valuable confidante. He would not only tell me stories of his rich and fruitful life before his stroke, but also … Continue reading “Don’t Count The Days. Make The Days Count.”
The Present of Presence
Upon joining the Pre-Med Hospice Volunteer Program, I was asked the question: What happens when we die? Profound and spiritual answers flowed from my peers as if they had thought about this question every day. When the spotlight fell on me, I replied, “Nothing.” My intention was not to be rude, insensitive, or insincere. I … Continue reading “The Present of Presence”
A Valentine’s Day Lesson of Perspective
Prior to volunteering with hospice, I had a limited view of what it meant to be “on hospice.” I believed that hospice was for patients who were restricted to the bed, limited in energy, and nearing their final hours. From my first visits with my patient, Wilma, I realized that hospice care is more than … Continue reading “A Valentine’s Day Lesson of Perspective”
The Importance of Communication
During my time in the pre-med Hospice program facilitated by Holisticare Hospice and the Athena Institute, I have developed a great passion for proper communication with patients, specifically those in dire need while receiving end-of-life care. This process has shown me the importance of treating end-of-life care as something critical for a proper conclusion to … Continue reading “The Importance of Communication”