Caregivers

By Lydia A Meyers RN, MSN, CWCN

There is a traveler coming to your hospital who will only be working for 13 weeks, eight weeks or however long the facility needs that nurse. As a nurse working in the hospital, how does working with this temporary staff member make you feel? What does the organization have in store for that nurse?

By Paula Erwin-Toth MSN, RN, CWOCN, CNS

Ah February! The month of love and romance. Regardless of whether Buckeye Chuck or Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring or 6 more weeks of winter for those of us who live in the northern climes winter seems cold, dark and endless. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a real possibility and the idea of hibernating until spring is tempting. If you are living with a chronic wound, this time of year can be especially problematic. Getting out for groceries, doctors appointments, or worship can be a major undertaking. The challenges for home care nurses are incredible.

by Lydia A Meyers RN, MSN, CWCN

At the start of December, I was looking at graduation from my Master's Degree program and the completion of my final paper. A capstone to the Master's program is much like the dissertation to the doctoral program. My journey has been long and along the way I have increased my base of knowledge. What I have learned on this journey will enhance my practical knowledge of wound care and patient care. I learned that health care must change, and we must look hard at how we are doing business and be willing to challenge the status quo. Health care needs highly knowledgeable leaders to assure patients receive quality care by being good stewards of the money given to promote that care. The provider must be educated to assure the patient's wishes are followed first and always.

By Aletha Tippett MD

What steps should be taken the first time you encounter a patient with a wound? Here is my list of priorities when I assess a wound:

By Paula Erwin-Toth MSN, RN, CWOCN, CNS

Part 2 in a series discussing the challenges and opportunities in patient/family education
For Part 1, Click Here

Part 1 in a series discussing the challenges and opportunities in patient/family education

By Paula Erwin-Toth, MSN, RN, CWOCN, CNS

Mr. Gillan is a 72 year old man with venous insufficiency. He presents with a venous ulcer on his left lower leg. He has several co-morbid conditions including hypertension, cataracts, and osteoarthritis which includes his hands. His primary caregiver is his 74 year old wife who suffers from diabetes and mild dementia. They do not have any family living nearby. He is being discharged to his home with a primary wound dressing and compression wraps. His discharge instructions include requests for Home Care nursing and follow up with vascular medicine and a pedorthist.