10/03/2014
Announcing a BCCCA CONFERENCE 2014 PRE-CONFERENCE workshop: The Essentials in Hospice Palliative Care- A Day for Educators! Date: Wednesday, November 5th, 2014 Time: 8:30am to 4:30pm Location: Terminal City Club, 837 West Hastings Street Instructor: Kath Murray, HPC nurse, educator and author BCCCA Conference Flyer * Connect with current developments and key concepts in Hospice
Read More09/07/2014
The last two and a half months I have been retreating… time with siblings from Denmark, Australia and Vancouver, time on the water, time in the water, and a lot of time writing! The new text, “Integrating a Palliative Approach: Essentials for Personal Support Workers” is just about to go to the press. We are
Read More06/21/2014
It is normal that caring for the dying will touch you and change you. As Rachel Naomi Remen says, The expectation that we can be immersed in suffering and loss daily and not be touched by it is as unrealistic as expecting to be able to walk through water without getting wet. Kitchen Table Wisdom,
Read More06/12/2014
This week I was thrilled to find this article. Thought you might be interested in the findings. Article: The role of healthcare support workers in providing palliative and end-of-life care in the community: a systematic literature review. By Herber, Oliver R.; Johnston, Bridget M., published in Health & Social Care in the Community (HEALTH SOC CARE
Read More05/06/2014
For decades we have asked, is it better to hydrate someone who is no longer able to swallow in their last days and hours, or is it better to not intervene? Finally, the research we have all been waiting for… a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized study… “Parenteral Hydration in Patients With Advanced Cancer: A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial”
Read More04/15/2014
Have a look at this excellent three minute video with Brene Brown talking about the difference between empathy and sympathy. I love the animation and the message about empathy. Some lovely comments on what empathy is and what it is not, and illustrates a few ways to support someone in an empathetic way. Beautiful. In
Read More02/21/2014
Personal Support Workers (Also Known As Health Care Assistants, Health Care Workers) often care for people who require medication or comfort measures to help control their symptoms. I was asked to explain the principles of symptom management… Here are a few ideas (not in order of priority!) Symptom management requires good care planning! The Canadian
Read More02/01/2014
I am writing “Essentials in Hospice Palliative Care: A Guide for Personal Support Workers” (PSWs are also known as Health Care Assistants, Community Health Workers etc.) As many of you who read this blog know… The PSW is often the eyes and ears of the health care team. It is often the PSW who observes a
Read More12/17/2013
Excerpt from “Let Me Go” Written by Christine Georgina Rossetti When I come to the end of the road, And the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom filled room Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little – but not for long. And not with your
Read More12/17/2013
True confessions… I can enjoy a good sappy movie (AKA tear jerkers, chick flicks… by any name I am alright with them.) Leanne McKinzey, a PSW instructor at Centennial College recommends Christmas in Conway. This Hallmark special tells the story about someone who is ill, a cranky caregiving husband who decides what the best medicine is
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