The diagnosis of an incurable disease or disorder can never be good news. It is easy for the patient to lose hope and retire into a cocoon when doctors declare that there is nothing much that they can do.
Let us talk about the prevalence of cancer in the US, specifically Idaho. Each year, roughly 8,500 Idaho residents are diagnosed with cancer. Also, more than 100,000 Idahoans are cancer survivors. The state ranks a dismal 50th in breast cancer screening in the country, and this is not good news.
This is where end-of-life- care comes in as a beacon of hope. As a caregiver nurse, you can offer comfort, and support, and enhance the quality of life for those in your care.
This blog post will aim to provide insight into the profession of palliative care nurses in Idaho. So, if you are planning to switch over to helping people with terminal illnesses have a dignified life till death, this post is for you.
What Will Your Role Be in End-of-Life Care?
Palliative care involves alleviating the symptoms of a medical condition that cannot be cured. Here, the main goal is to reduce stress to a minimum and instill a sense of holistic well-being.
In Idaho, anyone diagnosed with a terminal illness or a life-limiting, debilitating condition is eligible for palliative care. This care is accessible to patients at the time of diagnosis, when treatment begins, or during the advanced stages of their condition.
So then, what does it mean to be a palliative care nurse?
- It requires equal medical expertise and compassion. You will be in charge of someone who knows that prescribed medicines will get redundant in a few days or months. What they need and what you will give are empathy and sensitivity.
- Most of Idaho’s counties, specifically 35 out of 44, are classified as rural areas. So, you have a chance to get creative with telehealth and remote symptom management.
- Approximately 11.5% of the state’s population comprises individuals who are 65 years old and above. This means that you encounter many old people with life-limiting diseases. These people will need extra care and you will have minimal scope for error.
- Similar to the rest of the nation, Idaho is also grappling with a significant opioid crisis. In 2022, Idaho saw a staggering 270 deaths attributed to opioid overdoses.
- Hence, as a palliative care nurse in Idaho, you will need to be an expert in safe and effective pain management strategies. These need to minimize the risk of opioid misuse and addiction.
- End-of-life care nursing in Idaho requires a team-based approach and you will get to be a part of an interdisciplinary group. You can work with physicians, social workers, chaplains, and other healthcare professionals. This can be an immense growth opportunity for you.
With your expertise and unwavering commitment, you have the power to profoundly impact the lives of Idahoans during their most difficult moments.
Transitioning to Palliative Care Nursing in Idaho
If you have decided to transition into hospice care, the next step for you is to consider a few points before taking the plunge.
To begin with, you need to reflect on your nursing background and skills. Do you have the bare minimum level of experience in managing complex symptoms or the open-mindedness to work across disciplines?
You will find it very difficult to reach the required expertise on the ground because frankly, you will not have the time. You need to come prepared to some extent when dealing with terminally ill patients.
Now, let’s delve into the details of the education and training required. If you’re in Idaho, you might want to explore certifications such as the Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) or the Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN).
Moreover, according to Rockhurst University, you must have a valid Idaho nursing license to practice nursing in Idaho. Next up, you might want to consider where you would want to deliver care. Palliative or hospice nursing can be provided in various settings, including hospitals, hospice agencies, and patients’ homes.
If possible, do some voluntary work before starting with paid care. It is not that you are allowed to make mistakes when working for free. It is just that, the ecosystem will be less pressing and more conducive for hands-on learning.
Advance Care Planning and End-of-Life Decision-Making
When facing the end of life, most patients want to have a plan. It can greatly contribute to a sense of security and guarantee that their desires will be honored. That’s where your role in advanced care planning comes in.
This planning is a precautionary measure that allows the dying to make critical decisions about their family and healthcare while they have the time.
Creating advance directives is a crucial aspect of advance care planning. This includes a living will, which details their preferred choices for medical treatment if they are unable to communicate. Certain directives might also have a durable power of attorney for healthcare.
You might have to be your patient’s voice and also help them decide the best course of healing.
Moving on, there are chances that you might have to collaborate with the family psychologist, if there is any. You will have a significant impact on assisting the family in accepting the truth. Your expertise can come in handy in helping the loved ones carry on with their lives and not see the patient as an obligation.
There are plenty of resources available to help with advance care planning in Idaho. You always have the Idaho Secretary of State’s office and local healthcare organizations to assist you 24×7.
When it comes to caring for older adults with disabilities, the key is to offer a combination of affection, assistance, and practical problem-solving. By prioritizing the aforementioned points, you can assist individuals in living out the remainder of their lives with dignity and satisfaction.
This journey will present its fair share of obstacles, but by adopting the appropriate mindset, you can influence these lives in a meaningful way.
