Licensed Practical Nurse: A Case Study

Throughout life there are numerous certainties that one will experience. All individuals who are born, must die. Dying is the end stage of life that most individuals fear. People begin to rapidly lose their health, and begin their preparations for their departure. This type of care in the health field is referred to as hospice. As a Licensed Practical Nurse, there are certain standards of care that the nurse is responsible for, as well as taking care of the family.
When a patient is placed in to hospice care, it is because they have less than 6 months to live, according to their physician. As a hospice nurse there are certain standards of care that must be performed when taking care of a patient with hospice needs. An LPN is licensed to assess, create care plans, preform nursing techniques, converse with the doctor on a client’s care, and provide all bedside means necessary for the patient. The Licensed Practical Nurse provides all skilled nursing methods as directed by the Registered Nurse.
There are several stages of dying through which many terminally ill patients will progress. The first is denial. Denial is
They have lost their family, friends, and many other people there age. According to Fundamental Nursing Skills and Concepts (Timby), “Older adults may read obituaries and death notices in the newspaper daily in an effort to keep up with acquaintances. Families may view this activity as potentially depressing, but it may actually be an effective coping mechanism in helping to develop a peaceful and accepting attitude toward death.” Larry Lafferty once said, “You cannot add days to a person’s life, but you can add life to someone’s days.” This concept is vital in hospice care. The patient is terminally ill, and knows that they are soon approaching the end. The nurse is responsible to creating a comfortable environment for the patient that still remains the inaction of the patient’s