The first patient I saw passed away one week after I got to know him. I knew his name, his background on paper, and that he liked philosophy. That’s currently all I know, and probably all I ever will know about him. I wasn’t expecting much for my second patient. The first time I met … Continue reading “Take Two”
Author: A Student
The Good Physician’s Battle with Death
The Hospice experience in itself was unexpected but enlightening. Although I was not able to form a meaningful relationship with a Hospice patient due to scheduling circumstances, the prompts and meetings provided the framework to comprehend the faults within the indoctrinated mentality to use medicine as a means to prevent death. Doctors are trained to … Continue reading “The Good Physician’s Battle with Death”
The Lasting Impact of a Hospice Patient: Through the Gift of Learning
The world is a marble heart and everyone has a small piece within. The heart is fragile, broken, and disgustingly beautiful. When I started to volunteer, my knowledge grew to a different level than I have ever seen before. Growing up, I was taught that death was a way to celebrate our loved ones by … Continue reading “The Lasting Impact of a Hospice Patient: Through the Gift of Learning”
The Value of Life and Death
During my time with hospice, I was able to learn a lot about what it truly means to die a happy death. I enjoyed the enlightenment on this topic and its importance in applying it to my own life. Along the way I have gained a variety of lessons that I wish to implement in … Continue reading “The Value of Life and Death”
The Reality of Change
I use the pseudonyms for my patient (Yvette Thomas). My most meaningful hospice patient experience was my experience with Yvette Thomas. When I was given a preview about Yvette Thomas it was mentioned that she loved patient encounters. Every time I came in Yvette would smile and say, “oh yes”. I would color in cats … Continue reading “The Reality of Change”
My experience as a hospice volunteer
It has been a wonderful experience to be a hospice volunteer. It has given me an understanding and knowledge of how to work with terminally ill patients. This experience has taught me a lot about compassion, empathy, and the importance of human connection. As a hospice volunteer, I had the privilege of working with patients … Continue reading “My experience as a hospice volunteer”
Supporting those in Hospice Care
Since this January, I have visited Janet, a recently-blinded cancer patient, at her hospice care facility, where I assist her with orientation/mobility and provide companionship. Over time, I have found that she has grown more comfortable in our relationship, as she shares life successes and regrets, as well as feelings and fears about dying. Listening … Continue reading “Supporting those in Hospice Care”
Peace of Mind
I did not understand what death was until I decided to become a hospice volunteer. I had relatives in the past who had passed away when I was at a young age but never understood what they actually went through, until now. My pop-pop had a seizure when I was in elementary school and one … Continue reading “Peace of Mind”
A Reflection on Growth in Death
As “Marie” passionately detailed who had brought her each plant, I took note of the facts she shared about her family. From her daughters to grandsons, she named her loved ones with ease while proudly feeling the growing leaves and speaking on her previous love for gardening. Less than a minute passed before she turned … Continue reading “A Reflection on Growth in Death”
Diving Deeper Into Medicine
Diving Deeper into Medicine “Sarah Scott” I can confidently say that my hospice experience this year has been everything that I had envisioned and more. Last year, COVID made it difficult for me to have a traditional hospice experience. This year, I have been able to meet with a patient in person, “Deborah”, and my … Continue reading “Diving Deeper Into Medicine”