Reflection On End Of Life Care Essay

ExperienceWhilst working on a good morning shift I was asked if I would assist with washing and making a tolerant comfortable. She was an elderly lady with advanced inoperable cancer, subsequently on an end of demeanor pathway receiving palliative care. The World of Health administration (WHO) defines palliative care as The active total care of patients whose disorder no longer responds to curative treatment. Control of nuisance, of other symptoms, and of psychological, social and spiritual problems is paramount. The goal of palliative care is achievement of the best quality of life for patients and their families Towards the end she could not communicate, only making short groans if she was in pain when we moved her. She was given a bed bath, change of sheets and a abstemious nightie. Throughout the comforts helped protect her dignity by keeping the door and curtains unopen and keeping the patient covered as much as possible. The care for staff continually spoke to her and reassured her, whilst I held her hand. The patient died a few days later with dignity and respect and peacefully with her friends by her side. I was involved in the travel rites.ReactionI matt-up quite self- informed when standing by the bedside. I did not hold out how conscious the patient was of the situation around her. It was obviously important to blab out to her but initially I set it difficult to know what to dictate and was conscious of others listening to me and wondered if I was saying or doing the right things. The nurse present was very concerned she may die whilst we were washing her as he recognised Cheyne-Stokes breathing. I had never seen anyone this way before. I mat up more upset seeing her deteriorate than I did when she died purely because I felt she was now free of the discomfort.AnalysisThe care plan for the pull through days of life had been met. The patients psychological, social and spiritual call for had been addressed, and the patient was comforta ble and free from pain (Kemp 1999). The care that was carried out saved the patients dignity and respected her as a human being. I found it very rewarding to be part of the team that helped this patient, in her last days of life, die with the dignity and respect she deserved. Everything that could be done for the patient was done in a veryprofessional, but also a very sympathize with manner. The NMC guides us to Make the care of people your for the first time concern, treating them as individuals and respect their dignity. I feel that we had achieved this for the patient. If I sense myself in this situation again I would be confident becoming to implement palliative care in a professional caring manner, which hopefully will mature with personal experience and by observing other nurses. I would talk to the patient whether or not they were conscious and also aim to provide support for the family.