NSP3185 Reflective Journal 1
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Florida State College at Jacksonville *
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Course
3185
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
3
Uploaded by lindseywalls916
Reflective Journal 1: My Experiences with End of Life
Issues
NSP 3185: Professional Ethics & Diversity
Dr. Peggy McCartt
Lindsey Walls
An end-of-life issue that I personally experienced was the passing of
my grandfather on March 5, 2012. My grandfather was a very big part of my
life and was a second father to me. I was 25 years old at the time. My
grandfather was overweight and had hypertension and diabetes. He had a
bad fall one evening and needed to go into the hospital. He was improving
and doing well so he was eventually transferred to Brooks Rehabilitation
Facility to further recover and get back on his feet so he could come home.
Suddenly he was diagnosed with MRCA on his nose and had to go back into
the hospital. His health started to decline tremendously, and his body
suddenly went into kidney failure. My mother along with my aunts and uncle
needed to decide whether to send my grandfather to Hospice for his final
days. I was in complete shock as he was doing well and about to come home.
I was in denial as I did not believe this was happening. My family discussed
the concerns with my grandfather while he was still coherent, and the final
decision was made. My grandfather would go into Hospice care in the
hospital for his final few days, he wanted to go peacefully and did not want
to be resuscitated. My grandmother at this time had Parkinson’s and
dementia so she was not involved in this final decision. I agree with the
decision my family agreed upon as this was the most appropriate. I was also
glad my grandfather agreed as well and was able to have this final say. His
last words were to take care of my grandmother, be nice to her and never
put her in an assisted living facility. The Hospice experience, even though
this is the end of life, was a very comforting and welcoming experience. I had
two young children and there was a room down the hall with games and
books for children. My boys were able to say their final goodbyes to my
grandfather as well. My mother and aunts and uncles notified all distant
relatives and friends and family so everyone was able to come by and see
my grandfather one last time. I felt relieved, as this entire process made
sense and felt so right in my mind and my heart. My grandmother was able
to see her husband one last time and give him a farewell kiss, until they
meet again. This was just such an uplifting experience, even though it was
sad and devastating, I feel comfort and peace. The chaplain would come by
each day to say hello and say a prayer for my grandfather. My family is
catholic, faith is a big part of our lives and the chaplain being present each
day was comforting. The nurses helped show me how to moist my
grandfather’s lips since they were always so dry with a little sponge. Finally,
after five days in Hospice care my grandfather passed. This experience was
sad and depressing, however I felt as it was handled in the most appropriate
way for my grandfather and our family. This experience helped prepare my
family for my grandfather’s passing, while bringing us all together as well. I
am humbler now to patients with loved ones on their last few breaths. I am
more compassionate and understanding since I have experienced the other
side as the family member of a hospice patient.
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