Medi Hospice Fredericksburg publishes fourth issue of their community newsletter!!

                  

All hospices have RN Case Managers. They are an integral part of the hospice care team.

A hospice case manager nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who is responsible for overseeing the care of hospice patients. A hospice case manager nurse must be comfortable working independently. She is the eyes and ears for the hospice physician and likewise must posses expert assessment skills.

• Hospice case manager nurses have been specially trained in evaluating and caring for the terminally ill patient and their family or caregivers. Therefore, they are expected to be able to efficiently recognize and evaluate symptoms. They work closely with the hospice physician to treat distressing symptoms and improve patient comfort.

• One of the goals for the hospice case manager nurse is to provide continuity of care  and to build a trusting relationship with the patient. However, other RN’s and LPN’s are also utilized to offer a broad level of sustaining support. 

• The case manager nurse educates families and/or caregivers on recognizing symptoms and providing safe and competent care for the patient. They offer emotional and practical support for both the patient and their family/caregivers.

• The case manager nurse must have excellent communication and time management skills and be comfortable around dying patients. They are patient, compassionate and respect the unique differences of their patients.

• The hospice case manager nurse works as a part of the hospice interdisciplinary care team. They supervise the care provided by home health aides (HHA) and licensed practical nurses (LPN's). They work closely with the hospice social worker, chaplain, and volunteers to coordinate physical, emotional, and spiritual care of the patient and family.

Hospice nurses have a unique opportunity to share in a patient’s last moments.

Medi Hospice is pleased to present one of our highly esteemed 

RN Case Managers, Shaun Farmer, RN. 

She joined our organization in December 2012.

Mrs. Farmer was born and raised in New Orleans LA. She spent four years in the United States Marine Corps where she met her husband of 20 years. When she retired from the USMC she studied and became a CNA for a few years. Deciding that a future in nursing was her career goal she studied and trained to become an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). She was an LPN for 11 years and mostly worked in nursing homes or hospitals, as well as a couple of years in hospice. The couple moved around a lot due to her husband’s USMC career.  Upon his retirement they ended up in King George, VA where they have decided they will create their

permanent home.

After settling in our community, Mrs. Farmer went back to nursing school to pursue her Registered Nurse Certification. Her decision to pursue nursing in hospice sprung out of her 11 years experience as a LPN. After observing and caring for the many hospice patients over those years she felt a sense of great compassion and love for people who were in their last journey of life. She explained that her heart went out to these precious souls and she determined that she wanted to be a part of ensuring that no one ever died alone.

“If we listen and observe carefully, our patients will teach

 us valuable lessons that we might need to learn in preparing

 for the end of our own life's journey.”

Mrs. Shaun Farmer, RN

She attended the Moore Norman Technology Center in Norman Oklahoma to studied for certification as a CNA and LPN. In Fredericksburg , VA she studied with the class of 2012 at Career Training Solutions.

125 Olde Greenwich Dr. Suite 150

 Fredericksburg, VA 22408

Office: (540) 361-7696 Fax: (540) 361-1403

Medi Hospice needs volunteers!

Volunteering in hospice is a choice that creates rewards for patients and families. The ultimate surprise is the growth a volunteer develops from learning more about themselves with every visit to their patient. You learn to communicate in ways that increase your own appreciation of life. Your views of daily situations take on a holistic perspective. Nothing will ever be the same in your personal or professional life if you are correctly trained as a hospice volunteer.

1. Must be 18 or over to volunteer.
2. Weekend and evening hours are available.
3. Maximum requirement is two to four hour per week.
4. Locations will vary.
5. Personal transportation required.

    So would you consider joining others on their last journey? 

We are actively growing our hospice volunteer program and we would like you to know that if you have a desire to become involving in making a difference in the lives of the dying we will give you that opportunity! Medi Hospice is located in Fredericksburg, Virginia. We have a Volunteer Coordinator who will meet and discuss with you our volunteer opportunities. Should you desire to join our team call during normal business hours and ask for the Volunteer Coordinator.

Call 540-361-7696 and ask for the Volunteer Coordinator!