Hospice - Essay Example

This paper attempts to discuss the responsibilities and part of the nurse in giving hospice care to a patient in the clinical setting. It also talks about the different nursing theorists and their theories with regard to giving hospice care. The paper also includes an account of different clients who usually undergo hospice care including end-stage lung cancer, congestive heart failure, and dementia. It also discusses the routine in giving care in the clinical setting as well as the strengths and barriers hospice patients have in achieving self care.

The paper also contains critical issues in the community regarding hospice care. The nurse is an important member of the health care team in giving hospice care. After all, she is the one who coordinates with the other members of the team and relays all important information and observations that may have an important impact in giving comfort measures to the patient. She is also in constant contact with the patient and sees to it that all needs are met. In the clinical setting such as in the hospice center or skilled nursing facility, a Registered Nurse must be present at the center around the clock, 7 days a week.

As stated in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (42 CFR Section 418.82), “hospice must provide nursing care and services by or under the supervision of a registered nurse” (US Laws, Justia.com). It is clearly stated that the registered nurse has the main responsibility in performing and delegating tasks that will meet and satisfy the necessary needs of the patients in the facility, and to ensure that all therapies, prescriptions, and any other instructions with regard to care are carried out properly and promptly.

These needs may range from physical, emotional, psychological, and even spiritual needs. There are various types of diseases that in the end, may call for the need of hospice care. In end-stage lung cancer or stage IV cancer, for example, the patient’s primary tumor may cause him to