FROM DRH working in
HEAVEN ’ S WAITING
ROOM
A HOSPICE NURSE ’ S STORY
SUBMITTED BY DRH HEALTH & CAROLYN COVINGTON , BSN , RN
A
nurse since 1983 , Carolyn Covington , BSN , RN , has worked at DRH Health since 2006 and as a Hospice nurse since 2013 .
“ I started nursing almost by accident . I was not the little girl taking care of sick dolls or animals . But I was the little girl with all the paperwork stacked correctly and precisely where they needed to be ,” Carolyn said . “ I moved the papers around frequently to change it up .”
WHAT DOES A HOSPICE NURSE DO ?
A Hospice nurse meets the patient and their family at a very vulnerable time in their life . It is the Hospice nurse ’ s responsibility to educate the patient and family on what they may expect and the difference between Hospice comfort care and aggressive treatment for their specific condition . The Hospice nurse is a small part of a larger team that consists of the patient ’ s primary doctor , Hospice Medical Director , other nurses , the medical social worker , Chaplain , nursing assistants , the patient , and their family . The team works together , one day at a time , to address multiple signs and symptoms for
A NURSE SINCE 1983 , CAROLYN COVINGTON , BSN , RN , HAS WORKED AT DRH HEALTH SINCE 2006 AND AS A HOSPICE NURSE SINCE 2013 .
comfort measures , with our primary goal of making each day the best it can be . I have heard the statement “ a Hospice nurse helps others to die .” I do not see it like that at all . I am the Hospice nurse that works to help each of my patients to LIVE the best life possible for whatever time is remaining on this earth , both for them and me .
WHY DO YOU LOVE BEING A HOSPICE NURSE ?
What I love about being a Hospice nurse is difficult to put into words . As I care for patients , I get to know them and their family members . Each person is so different , and this can be challenging , but at the same time so rewarding in that , every day is an opportunity to help make this a good day for someone else . Not only can I help someone else through a hard time in their life , I learn so much from each person .
WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE THING YOU HAVE LEARNED WHILE NURSING ? The most valuable thing I have learned from being a Hospice nurse is to live one day at a time but live today ! Spend time with the kids and grandkids , and listen . I ’ ve learned to listen to what my patients and their family members say , and I mean really listen and ‘ hear ’ them . Listen to what my coworkers say and use their experiences to grow . Listen to my family , especially the wonderful stories the grandkids can share !
Chisholm Trail Hospice provides physical , emotional , and spiritual support to terminally ill patients and their families . The interdisciplinary team helps patients maintain their dignity , comfort , and quality of life in the face of a terminal illness .
30 DUNCAN MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2022