Have you ever considered cannabis as part of your loved one’s treatment for their end of life? If not, this episode with Megan Mbengue has all the necessary information. Cannabis may have a role in hospice care for symptom management and improving the quality of life for some patients near the end of life. Products containing both THC and CBD have been used by some hospice patients to help manage pain, especially when other pain medications are not effective or cause undesirable side effects. However, Megan advises that this kind of treatment should be approached with caution, fully considering legal, medical, and ethical factors, and always under healthcare professionals' guidance.  

Megan Mbengue, BSN, RN, CHPN, is the Founder & CEO of Trusted Canna Nurse. She started Trusted Canna Nurse when she realized there were very few medical professionals well-versed in cannabis and CBD, much less someone who knew how to navigate a dispensary. She has been a nurse for over ten years, specializing in oncology, Labor & delivery, and, most recently, hospice & palliative care. Megan has received national certifications in all three specialties and is currently working towards a Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics. Megan has done various speaking engagements and received various awards (read about them here). Additionally, Megan is an active member of the following professional organizations: Society of Cannabis Clinicians, Cannabis Nurses Network, and American Cannabis Nurses Association.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Megan Mbengue 

[01:51] Meet and greet Megan Mbengue and know what she does in her space

[02:47] Great resources to research cannabis treatment

[03:42] Megan’s history from hospital nursing to the cannabis space

[06:40] How Megan helps patients

[07:59] Her partners in running the program

[09:14] Megan’s top three health conditions she helps with

[09:44] Cannabis benefits for hospice patients

[11:55] How cannabis treatments help in combating end-of-life anxiety

[15:23] Using cannabis and psychedelics for treatments

[18:56] How micro-dosing could help hospice patients get a greater sense of peace 

[20:26] Is cannabis treatment good for trauma-based patients?

[24:22] Cannabis pet-related products

[25:40] What patients should try first in cannabis treatment

[27:47] Best ways to reach out and connect with Megan

[28:22] Ending show and calls to action

• There’s great information about cannabis. As of 2022, it was the most researched drug worldwide. [02:48]

• Generally, hospice patients can benefit greatly from cannabis treatments in managing the end of life symptoms. This may include managing pain, inflammation leading to the pain, pain perception, and bringing the pain down without sedating the patient as opioids do. [11:44] 

• Terminal agitation is one of the hardest to manage; of all the end-of-life symptoms. [11:56] 

• As somebody approaches their end of life, gaining peace with themselves, their belief system, and others is always golden. [14:10] 

1. Project CBD

2. The Cannigma

3. Ryan’s Law

Megan Mbengue

Website: https://www.trustedcannanurse.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-mbengue/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trustedcannanurse/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trustedcannanurse

Marie's Contact:

[email protected]

www.hospiceexplained.com

http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice

[email protected]

Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080

As people grow older, they face health challenges that are hard to avoid, including severe illnesses from their lifetime. These can include memory loss, cancer, heart problems, and more, which can be physically and emotionally hurtful. But hospice care can help a lot as it gives special comfort and support to people nearing the end of life, making their transition smoother and more peaceful. Starting this kind of care early is important, as it brings ease to our loved ones as their days get nearer.

Join this conversation with Dalene Higgins as she shares about her parents’ end-of-life and hospice experiences and the inspiration she got. Dalene Higgins is the founder of Elevate Finances & Money Coach for GenXers. She is a financial coach for Gen Xers and hosts “Wealthy After 40 Podcast.” After reaching her dream of retiring early at age 50, Dalene decided to help others do the same. Now, she is on a mission to help Gen Xers ditch debt, save for retirement, and live on their own terms. 

Even though most Gen Xers feel unprepared for retirement, Dalene believes that it is never too late to start. Because when you get your head out of the sand and get to know your numbers, you realize that your financial dreams are closer than you think.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest, Dalene Higgins 

[02:38] Dalene’s dad, his terminal illness and what led them to hospice

[05:16] The last breath of Dalene’s dad in her watch

[06:33] Experiences with the hospice nurses

[08:12] How the idea of hospice care for the dad came about

[10:13] Dalene’s previous exposure to hospice settings

[10:53] Best memories of her dad in hospice

[13:16] Things Dalene would have changed concerning hospice

[15:03] Dalene's mom's dementia and her last day’s journey in hospice

[22:28] Why hospice care is needed sooner than later

[25:33] What Dalene would change from her mom’s experience

[27:11] Best memories of her mom’s last days

[27:38] Ending show and calls to action

• Hospice does not end with a patient’s death. The caregivers take time to help the family of the patient to grieve. [05:16] 

• Having hospice care nurses helps ground you and guide you when enjoying those last days of your loved ones. [07:05] 

• The earlier you start hospice care for your loved one, the better it is for them to feel comfortable and have a quality end of life. [22:28]

Dalene Higgins

Website: https://www.elevatefinances.us/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalenehiggins/

Wealthy @ 40 Podcast: https://www.elevatefinances.us/wealthy-after-40/

Marie's Contact:

[email protected]

www.hospiceexplained.com

http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice

[email protected]

Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080

The way we perceive and approach death and grief has transformed. Traditionally considered taboo, these subjects are now being addressed with increased openness and empathy. Hospice care, for instance, focuses on providing comfort, dignity, and support to individuals during their end-of-life journey, highlighting the importance of a more holistic approach to this stage of life. This evolving perspective acknowledges death as a natural part of the human experience and grief as a multi-faceted emotion. By reshaping our perceptions, we not only embrace the inevitability of mortality but also create an environment that promotes compassionate conversations and offers solace to grieving, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for everyone involved.

Join the conversation with Ashley Oppon as we explore how African and Western cultures deal with death and mourning. We'll also discuss what these cultures can learn from each other. Ashley Oppon is a Registered Nurse, Shamanic Practitioner, and a Death Midwife. She is also a Home Funeral Guide and an advocate for Medical Aid in Dying and Green and Natural Burials. Seeing death in many different ways throughout her nursing career, she wanted to do more work to make death culture more of a place for reflection and healthy grieving. She has done extensive death training and can support individuals from advanced planning to funerals and vigils. She is a part of Sisters of the Sacred, a spiritual collective that creates sacred space for all of life's major moments. With her death work, she hopes to make the dying process a space for peace at the end.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Ashley Oppon

[01:49] Ashley’s backstory and her unique contributions to the end of life

[02:52] Her love for nursing and oncology

[04:32] Ashley’s specialty with cancer patients

[07:37] Her journey in hospice as a caregiver

[08:10] How Ashley became a death doula

[14:09] How Western culture can let out grief and loss in a comfortable manner

[16:42] West Africa’s culture of grieving that Westerners can borrow

[22:17] How Ashley balances her main job with offering death doula services

[24:19] What everyone should know about hospice

[26:33] Ashley’s memorable stories as a hospice caregiver

[30:47] Golden takeaway nuggets from Ashley

[31:26] Wrap-up and end of the show 

• As a death doula or midwife, your work is to help people have everything they need, medically or emotionally. [12:03] 

• Hospice is an excellent resource. The sooner you get there, the better. [24:19] 

• Putting people in hospice does not mean leaving them to die. Somebody in hospice will live their last days as comfortably as possible. [24:55]

Ashley Oppon

Website: https://www.sistersofthesacred.com/

Email: [email protected]

Phone Number: 973-370-4743

Ashely’s podcast: https://www.dinewiththedivine.com/

Marie's Contact: [email protected] www.hospiceexplained.com http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice [email protected] Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080

Hospice caregivers play a crucial role in providing compassionate end-of-life care to patients and their families during the most challenging times. Their dedication and selflessness are commendable, but the demands of this emotionally intense profession can take a toll, leading to stress and burnout. As they navigate the complex emotions, difficult decisions, and profound loss that come along, it becomes imperative for hospice caregivers to recognize the signs of burnout and adopt effective strategies to overcome the burden of stress.

Join the conversation with Gabrielle Juliano-Villani as we discuss the various factors contributing to caregiver stress, dive into the symptoms of burnout, and offer practical and empowering techniques to help these dedicated individuals maintain their well-being while continuing to provide exceptional care to those in need.

Gabrielle is a licensed clinical social worker based in Sarasota, FL, with expertise in mental health, specializing in adults and older adults. She focuses on grief, chronic health conditions, anxiety, life transitions, burnout, and caregiver stress. Trained in EMDR, Polyvagal Theory, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, sound healing, and expressive arts, she creates safe spaces for clients to regulate their nervous systems and foster mind/body connections. Recently, Gabrielle shifted her focus to consulting on burnout prevention and recovery techniques for therapists, entrepreneurs, and healers, while also providing training on various clinical issues.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Gabrielle Juliano Villani

[01:56] Gabrielle’s backstory and her unique contributions to humanity

[03:30] What is caregiver burnout

[05:00] Where Gabrielle starts when helping a person experiencing burnout

[10:15] Compassion fatigue vs burnout

[14:15] Resources for burnout prevention you need

[17:10] Practical body-mind practices to help in preventing burnouts

[20:55] EMDR Therapy: what it is, procedure and effectiveness

[23:04] How Gabrielle helps somebody with chronic pain

[27:18] Going through grief and loss

[29:35] How can we help caregivers accept the changes happening to people they care

[30:50] Golden takeaway nuggets from Gabrielle

[32:00] Wrap-up and end of the show

●      You can’t be a good caregiver if you don’t take care of yourself first because you will absolutely get burned out. [04:30]

●      Setting boundaries is one of the easiest ways to prevent caregivers from burnout. Those small changes add up to bigger changes and bigger impacts. [05:33]

●      Burnout builds gradually over time, but compassion fatigue is felt immediately after, which is common among caregivers. [10:54]

Gabrielle Juliano-Villani

Website: https://gabriellejulianovillani.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriellejulianovillani/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/gjvconsulting

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabriellejulianovillani

Marie's Contact:

[email protected]

www.hospiceexplained.com

http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice

[email protected]

Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080

The weight of grief may seem almost unbearable, especially with a devastating double loss of a father and mother. However, amidst these darkest moments, hospice care can provide a ray of light and comfort. The compassionate and dedicated care offered by the hospice team makes the otherwise torturing process more manageable and lessens the burden of pain. With their support and understanding, the journey through loss becomes more seamless and allows you to navigate the overwhelming emotions more easily.  Tune in to this conversation where Annie McDonnell joins us to talk more about her experience of losing her parents within a short time span and her most loved pets. It can be really painful!

Annie McDonnell is a New York State licensed acupuncturist specializing in stress-related ailments. With a background in children's book editing, she understands the impact of stress on health. Annie's mission is to help you transform pain into healing using acupuncture, sound healing, breathwork, and other holistic practices. Her practice, Joy Alchemy Acupuncture, aims to reconnect you with inner joy, allowing you to tap into your body's natural healing power for true wellness. 

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Annie McDonnell

[01:46] A bit about Annie as an acupuncturist and sound healing practices

[02:46] A hospice care at home for her cat that became Annie’s game-changer

[06:06] What Annie did to her cat to comfort them at the end of her life

[11:36] Growing options for your pets in their end of life

[15:56] Annie’s experiences with her parents in hospice

[26:36] A comforting and peaceful death of her dad

[30:56] Her mom’s hospice care in the same facility

[36:22] Why the benefits of hospice care are unmatchable

[39:40] Part of the reasons why Annie became a grief educator

[42:19] Why grieving can last for years

[45:46] Best ways to connect with Annie & learn more about her services

[47:43] Ending show and calls to action

• Though there are quite significant hospice resources for humans, they are even less for pets. [06:11] 

• Treats, good foods, and good nutritional supplements make those last days better for your pets. [11:25] 

• Death is scary, but hospice care helps you overcome those scary unknowns. [37:56]

• Grief is easier to carry when you stop putting a lot of expectations on yourself and understand that it is just a natural process. [40:40]

1. Episode 12: When It’s Time: https://yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/when-its-time/

Annie McDonnell

Website: https://www.joyalchemyhealing.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acupunctureannie/

Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/acupunctureannie

Marie's Contact:

[email protected]

www.hospiceexplained.com

http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice

[email protected]

Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080

We live in a culture that encourages us to numb discomfort and find quick solutions to our problems. However, grief defies these norms. It is a complex and ever-evolving experience that cannot simply be "gotten over." When faced with an unexpected loss, we find ourselves unprepared for the tumultuous journey of grief and uncertain about its duration. In such times, seeking assistance and support from hospice becomes invaluable, as they can guide us in navigating and coping with grief in a healthy way. It is natural for us to feel like we’re more capable of managing our grief early on, but we must not undermine our grief by denying ourselves the support and solace that hospice bereavement services can offer. In this episode, Aly Bird talks more about grief and the tools you need to navigate through grief positively to transform your perspective and empower yourself with greater agency and comfort.

Aly Bird is a coach, author, hospice volunteer, registered psychotherapist with qualifying status through the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.

Since her husband's untimely death, Aly has poured her heart into helping those who feel hopeless during unexpected crises. Her extensive studies of grief psychology and culture, combined with her devastating first-hand knowledge, led her to create a road map for the courageous and dedicated individuals willing to show up for themselves and the people they love with unconditional love, empowerment and reverence. As a speaker, coach and registered psychotherapist, Aly is committed to changing the way our culture recognizes and handles grief. To aid in her mission, Aly has authored Grief Ally: helping people you love cope with death, loss, and grief and is pursuing a graduate degree in counseling psychology. She is also a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and an active member of the Bereavement Ontario Network.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Aly Bird

[01:57] Aly’s background and what she does in the psychotherapy space 

[02:32] Aly’s grief story, her life-changing loss and traumatic bereavement 

[05:14] How to navigate grief from a sudden and unexpected loss 

[07:28] How Aly’s husband's death propelled her to be a therapist 

[09:22] Aly's emotional shock after her husband's death and how people supported her

[13:15] How Aly is helping people get the tools before they need them

[16:17] About the tools that are in Aly’s book: Grief Ally 

[19:04] What inspired Aly to become a hospice volunteer, and her work 

[24:32] What peer bereavement means 

[25:55] How much time Aly spends with people she is paired up with as a hospice volunteer

[27:59] What made Aly seek out bereavement services as a window with a traumatic loss

[30:56] Services that Aly offers to help people through their grieving process

[33:04] Aly’s advice on using hospice services to support you in your grief 

[35:40] Wrap-up and end of the show 

• The closer you are to the bereaved person, the more mistakes you’re going to make, but the more mistakes you make, the more you strengthen your relationship. [12:06] 

• No one can prepare for an unexpected death, and no one is prepared for what grief would look like and how long it will take to be okay. [13:32] 

• Grief is something that is innate to every human being, and our bodies know what to do if we give it the time it deserves. [19:45]

• Don’t compare; it is in our nature to compare, but don’t do yourself the disservice of devaluing your grief by denying yourself any sort of bereavement support if you think it will be of benefit to you; healthy coping with grief can change your perspective and the way you live your life. [33:26]

• Often, in the beginning, we think we’re more capable than we might be at managing our grief, so early on, when we’re offered bereavement service, we might shrug it off as something we don’t need but a few months down the road we might not be fine, and it is okay to go back and explore it; there is nothing wrong with doing it later in the road if it's available to you. [35:03]

Grief Ally by Aly Bird: https://www.amazon.com/Grief-Ally-Helping-People-Death/dp/1738652823

Aly Bird 

Website: https://alybird.com/

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thealybird

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thealybird

Marie's Contact:

[email protected]

www.hospiceexplained.com

http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice

[email protected]

Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080 

Wound care in hospice is crucial to providing compassionate and comprehensive end-of-life care. Hospice aims to alleviate suffering and promote comfort for patients with advanced illnesses and wounds that can significantly impact their quality of life. Skilled healthcare professionals in hospice settings are trained to assess, treat, and manage various types of wounds, including pressure ulcers, surgical wounds, and lesions. The primary goal of wound care in hospice is to prevent infection, minimize pain, and promote wound healing while prioritizing the patient's comfort and dignity. In this episode, Vanessa Maxwell, also known as Nurse V, shares her wealth of knowledge and expertise on wound care management for patients both at home and in a Hospice setting.

Vanessa is the owner and principal Consultant of Wound Care Solutions By Vanessa LLC. Vanessa is certified in wound ostomy nursing and has been doing this for 12 years. She is passionate about her role and possesses over 20 years of experience as a registered nurse, with a background in Medical-Surgical, Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Cardiac Telemetry, Emergency Department Observation, Float Pool, and Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing. While Vanessa is actively building her consulting business, she works full-time as a certified wound and ostomy nurse in acute care settings. In addition to her professional endeavors, Vanessa is working on educating the public on treating and preventing wounds.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Vanessa Maxwell

[01:42] Vanessa’s backstory and what she does in the wound care space

[02:37] About Vanessa’s business and why she stretched to do consulting on wound care

[05:45] Wounds that are in the hospice world

[10:20] What to do to manage a wound to the bone for hospice patients

[11:57] Ways hospice patients can manage old wounds at home

[12:53] The products Hospice companies give to help the patients

[16:06] A wound care recipe to help manage wound drainage, pain, and smell

[16:14] Where to get more information or help with wounds care

[17:36] Vanessa's final thoughts on wound care and Hospice

[20:40] Vanessa's recommendation on how often to turn your patient

[23:22] Key takeaways from the Vanessa

[24:20] Wrap-up and end of the show

●      Nutrition is one of the key indicators of healing wounds, having enough vitamins, minerals, and proteins to heal the wounds; If you cannot get the patient to eat, you cannot heal the wound. [08:02]

●      When you're thinking about wounds, you have to have the right dressing for the right wound. [14:31]

●      All patients won't need the same wound care plan; it is very individualized. [15:03]

●      Skin is an organ, and we need to pay attention to it; you need to be turning your loved ones, don’t leave them in one spot. [20:28]

1. Wound prevention clinicians: National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP)
2. Family members or patient caregivers: Local Wound Care or WOCN Society

Vanessa Maxwell

Website: https://wcsbyvanessa.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-maxwell-msn-rn-cwon-woundcare-solutions-by-vanessa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woundcaresolutionsbynurseV/

Marie's Contact:

[email protected]

www.hospiceexplained.com

http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice

[email protected]

Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080

Have you considered preparing for your journey's end? How would you envision the transition? Would you prefer the presence of your loved ones? And have you thought about whether you would prefer a serene setting such as a hospice or a more clinical environment like a hospital? While the concept of death may evoke fear and hesitation for many, it is an inevitable part of our human existence.

However, we have the power to approach it with a proactive mindset, embracing the opportunity to shape a graceful and meaningful conclusion to our time on Earth. Today, we are joined by Kacie Gikonyo, a compassionate Death Doula and Death Educator, who will share invaluable insights, guidance, and practical steps you can take to create a beautiful and fulfilling end-of-life experience.

Kacie Gikonyo is also the CEO and Founder of End of Life Consulting, a Registered Nurse, Death Doula, and Death Educator. With over 12 years of experience working closely with patients at the end of life, Kacie offers invaluable physical, spiritual, and emotional support to clients and their loved ones. Passionate about reducing fear and anxiety surrounding death, she excels in her role as a Death Educator, providing education to healthcare professionals, aspiring death doulas, and the general population. Kacie's unwavering commitment lies in helping clients plan and experience a beautiful death, making her a beacon of compassion and guidance in this essential aspect of life.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Kacie Gikonyo

[02:03] Kacie’s backstory and how she became a Death Doula and Death Educator

[05:47] Why preparing for your death is golden

[07:03] Why most people prefer to die at their homes

[07:48] Other jobs Kacie has, other than being a Death Doula

[12:46] Limits of Kacie’s Death Doula license as she handles clients

[14:03] Best ways clients reach out to Kacie and the average time she spends with them

[16:06] Number of visits with the clients in her care

[20:28] An in-depth case study of a patient Kacie has had

[28:15] The end goal of Kacie’s involvement with clients

[30:47] What Kacie does after the patient dies

[31:55] Specific ways Kacie gives comfort to her patients

[35:20] What inspired Kacie to become a Death Doula and her evolution in the career

[42:20] Ending show and calls to action

●      Sometimes if we do not plan for our death, it happens as a painful experience rather than a beautiful one. [03:13]

●      Death is the type of occurrence you need to prepare and plan for before it happens. Do not be caught up in the last minutes. [04:36]

●      Death is an expected outcome, and not planning for it does not make it go away. [05:58]

●      The end of your life sometimes lasts longer than those last days of dying. [08:18]

●      Whether a death doula is a medical professional or not, their service at the end of life is invaluable. [41:47]

1. The Expected Outcome: https://expectedoutcome.ca/
2. INELDA: https://inelda.org/

Kacie Gikonyo

Website: https://www.coachingwithkacie.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacie-gikonyo-3207b963/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/endoflifewithkacie/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Deathdoulakacie(713)8143886

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@deathdoulakacie/

Kacie’s Services: https://www.coachingwithkacie.com/services-1

Importance of Social Emotional Intelligence in Hospice with Elizabeth Dario Bockheim MS-EdL, RN-CNE, SEI-C

In this Episode we Discuss what is Social Emotional Intelligence and how Hospice Staff imporove their approach to patients and families. 

Social Emotional Intelligence (SEI) refers to the ability to understand and manage one's emotions effectively, as well as to recognize and empathize with the emotions of others. It involves being aware of one's feelings, having the capacity to regulate emotions in various situations, and demonstrating empathy towards others by understanding and responding to their emotional states. In hospice, being a truly effective caregiver goes beyond just medical skills. It demands having Social Emotional Intelligence. 

When hospice professionals develop their SEI, they become better at connecting with patients on a deeper level, providing both physical and emotional care. SEI helps them become better companions in the final stages of life, offering comfort and understanding when needed. Join this conversation with Elizabeth and learn insights on becoming a better hospice professional using social emotional intelligence. Elizabeth is a wife, mother, certified nurse educator, and an Influential Awareness Leader. 

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Elizabeth Dario Bockheim

[01:50] Elizabeth’s backstory and how she became a Social Emotional Intelligence expert

[03:20] Social Emotional Intelligence from the aspect of the hospice professional

[05:11] Why becoming aware of your emotions is golden for hospice professionals

[07:39] What is empathy, and why is it important

[10:39] Cultivating empathy to become the right hospice support to your patients

[12:07] Correlation between hospice and emotional intelligence

[14:18] How to use the skills of SEI as a personal caregiver

[19:40] Elizabeth’s insights and experience of taking care of her mother

[31:26] What Elizabeth wishes the hospice team to have done better for her mother

[41:18] Golden takeaway nuggets from the guest

[46:33] Ending show and calls to action

• As caregivers grow in their profession, they are always given opportunities to learn about Social Emotional Intelligence and what it can do for their patients. [03:33] 

• Hospice professionals must put more energy into becoming emotionally aware of themselves so that they can be able to manage their patients better. [06:02] 

• The most generous thing you can do to anyone else is to take care of yourself. [09:07]

• Compassion is the essence of hospice. It involves recognizing and being sensitive and having an emotional and empathetic concern for their pain and suffering. [10:41]

Elizabeth Dario Bockheim

Website: http://shineawareness.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shineawareness/

Email: [email protected]

Mobile: 616 826 5828 

Marie's Contact: [email protected] www.hospiceexplained.com http://buymeacoffee.com/hospice [email protected] Leave a Voicemail: 206-705-3080

Books can empower and offer insights, guidance, and solace during the challenging journey of end-of-life care. They provide knowledge, comfort, and a sense of connection, helping individuals navigate the complex emotions and experiences accompanying the hospice experience. Join this conversation with Derek Flores, a returning guest to Hospice Explained, as we discuss his multiple books to help patients, families, and staff with the Hospice Experience.

Derek J. Flores is a registered nurse (RN), Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN), and a best-selling author. In May 2020, he appeared as a guest on the internationally broadcast TV show 'The Doctors,' where he provided expert advice on hospice care. His first book, 'Seven Keys to a Peaceful Passing,' is a step-by-step guide for patients and families facing hospice decisions.

His latest work, 'Letters to a Hospice Nurse,' is a compilation of stories from families of hospice patients. It includes a companion journal, 'My Letter,' for recording personal thoughts and emotions. Nurse Derek also publishes helpful resources like notebooks and journals for nurses, patients, and families.

Tune in!

Key Highlights from the Episode;

[00:30] Episode intro and a quick bio of the guest; Derek J. Flores

[02:21] A bit about Derek’s newest book; Letters to a Hospice Nurse

[07:21] Some of the great stories in the book

[13:03] How the twelve stories in the book came about

[14:54] Other books Derek has put out lately

[15:49] The importance of honest communication in hospice

[18:43] The power of homemade journal

[20:47] Insights into Derek’s publishing journey

[25:15] Why starting your hospice journey earlier is golden

[30:44] Other directions within hospice that Derek would wish to explore

[34:53] Ending show and calls to action

●      When honest and open communication is established, it will always be a win-win between a hospice caregiver and the patients. [17:06]

●      The best outcomes in hospice result from families that are open and work well with the hospice caregiver. [17:27]

●      We can never meet our expectations if we do not know what will meet them. [17:42]

●      Hospice care aims to empower patients and help them get through that experience. Anybody with that knowledge will always be better positioned to determine their needs. [24:37]

1. Seven Keys to a Peaceful Passing: A Hospice Nurse's Step-by-Step Guide to Hospice: https://amzn.to/44yiGM3

1. Letters to a Hospice Nurse: Transforming Grief to Joy: https://amzn.to/3XIBQMY

1. Siete Claves para una Partida Pacífica: Guía Paso a Paso de un Enfermero de Hospicio (Spanish Edition): https://amzn.to/3NKjTZP

1. Patient Visit Notes: A Notebook for Hospice Nurses: https://amzn.to/3JKIufZ

Derek J. Flores

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-flores-rn-bs-1b82b98/