Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. CARE OF THE DYING Not every patient can get well. This is one of the most difficult things we must learn to accept. It is the duty of all nursing personnel to make dying as easy as possible for the patient and his family. If the patient's condition is worsening, he soon realizes it, and he becomes angry with the staff members who continue to promise that he will get better. The patient is probably frightened by his illness and will often be difficult to handle. He needs the emotional as well as the physical care of the staff, no matter how badly he behaves. If you understand that the patient is doing this out of fear you will be better able to cope with the situation. In caring for the dying, the nursing personnel must be alert, sympathetic, and tactful. These qualities must be extended to the patient's family and friends. Every effort should be made to respect the family's wishes for privacy. When caring for the patient in the presence of the family, complete your procedure swiftly and quietly. Do not, however, refrain from performing your duties because the family is with the patient. This will tend to make the family feel you are neglecting the patient. Even though the patient may become unconscious, the family will want to be with him. The unconscious patient requires as thorough care as those who are conscious. Their needs must still be met. If you have to ask the family to leave the bedside while you administer care to the patient, explain this to the family and tell that you will inform them when you have finished. Remember at all times that a courteous, quiet and willing manner are the marks of an understanding and competent person, both with the family and the patient. You will best serve the patient and his family by maintaining an efficient, but concerned, approach. Home Health Agency Nursing Care & Procedures K-75