The role of the nurse practitioner in caring for patients in the terminal stage of illness
The terminal stage of an illness is a difficult time for both patients and their families. In such a situation, an important role is played by the practice nurse, who not only provides expert medical care, but also emotional support. In this article, we will take a closer look at the nurse's role in caring for patients in the terminal stage of illness.
Emotional support for the patient and his family
In the terminal stage of an illness, the patient and his family often experience severe emotional stress. The nurse practitioner plays an important role in providing psychological support to both the patient and their loved ones. With her experience and empathy, she is able to listen, respond appropriately to the patient's needs and help them cope with negative emotions. This is extremely important, as patients in the terminal stage of illness are often accompanied by feelings of fear, helplessness and depression.
It is important for a nurse practitioner to know how to deal with difficult situations and how to provide emotional support to the patient and his family. This can include providing therapeutic conversations, providing information about available social support resources, and networking with professionals who can help manage negative emotions.
Ensuring comfort and dying with dignity
The nurse practitioner also has a role in ensuring the patient's comfort and dying with dignity. Through appropriate medical care, the nurse controls the patient's pain, uses procedures to alleviate symptoms and eliminates discomfort. It is important for the nurse to be aware that each patient has different needs and preferences for terminal care. Therefore, the nurse must be flexible and ready to adapt her actions to the individual patient's requirements.
Ensuring that the patient dies with dignity is also an important aspect. The practicing nurse should adhere to ethical principles such as patient autonomy and respect for the patient's intimacy and privacy. She must keep in mind that even in the terminal stage of an illness, the patient retains his rights and deserves to be treated with dignity.
Communication with other members of the medical team
The nurse practitioner also plays an important role in ensuring smooth communication between the patient and other members of the medical team. She is the liaison between the doctor, therapist, pharmacist and other professionals involved in the patient's care. The nurse communicates information about the patient's condition, orders necessary medications and tests, and monitors the effectiveness of therapy. Consequently , a nurse practitioner must be an effective communicator and well-organized in order to provide the highest standard of medical care to the patient.
Dedication and empathy
A nurse practitioner working with patients in the terminal stage of illness must possess not only medical knowledge, but also qualities such as dedication and empathy. They often sacrifice their lives, time and energy for the benefit of others. They are present during difficult moments, supporting patients and their loved ones not only medically, but also emotionally.
Although the work of a nurse practicing in the care of patients in the terminal stage of illness can be difficult and emotionally demanding, it is also a very rewarding task. Being able to provide patients with a sense of comfort and peace in their final days of life is a tremendous gift and demonstrates the irreplaceable role a nurse practitioner plays in the terminal stage of illness.
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