Dear Judy,
I’m a nurse practitioner in a long-term care facility. We are struggling to help families make decisions on advance directives. We find it difficult to explain CPR or resuscitation efforts.
Are you aware of any resources (videos, slide shows, books) that could help us ensure we’re giving the families accurate unbiased information?
Victoria
Dear Victoria,
I always recommend to anyone who needs help in getting common sense information on those subjects Jane Brody’s “Guide to the Great Beyond” — it is, as its subtitle suggests, a practical primar to help people prepare legally and medically for the end of life. And it explains in detail what we all need to know before we go.
But I also asked Jeanne, a brilliant hospice nurse, for guidance, and here’s what she has to say:
”My advice is learn to listen — really listen — to the patient and the family. Agree not to abandon any patient. Here’s a sample conversation starter:
“Mr. A: I’m hearing you’re concerned about not getting any better. This is hard, your disease is not curable. I will be here for you as long as you need me.”
