Blog: Hospice & Palliative Care Insights - June 2014
Patient’s Gift of a Day Drives Him Down Memory Lane
Donald Gatling spent 17 years traveling back and forth across the country as an long-haul truck driver. He always felt life on the open road made him free. In 2010, he was diagnosed with ALS and his wife, Angie, began riding with him to ensure his safety. Last year, he had to give up his passion and career of truck driving.
No Comment
Posted on June 26, 2014
Don’t you hate when people say “no comment?” If the person is in front of a camera, we can tell a lot by the environment, the question, and body language. But what about “no comment” in print? I have never used those words, but after reading the Washington Post article “Terminal neglect? How some hospices decline to treat the dying” (May 3, 2014, Peter Whoriskey and Dan Keating), I may reevaluate my position. 
Veteran Recognition Brings Family Together
Military service is a family affair. It’s not just the soldier who makes sacrifices to honor the U.S., the families also face the harsh reality of service. When a family member is in the military, it doesn’t matter who’s graduating, who’s getting married, or who’s dying — because protecting U.S. citizens is always more important.
Defining the Role of the Hospice Nurse Practitioner
Posted on June 24, 2014
Like other organizations, a hospice is made up of individual parts that come together to make an efficient, comprehensive team. Some of those pieces have roles that are clearly defined. The doctors treat illness, the chaplains offer patients and their families spiritual support and guidance, and the medical records clerks keep all the files in order. Some positions and responsibilities are a little less clear. 
Donate Blood and Help with Summer Shortages
Summer vacations can make it a difficult season for blood drives, creating a critical blood shortage for those who need surgery and other life-saving treatment.