Barbara Is the author of a book about hospice called Demystifying Hospice: The Secrets to Navigating End-of-Life Care.
This book candidly describes the "nuts and bolts" of giving care to hospice patients. Writing with 20 years of experience as a hospice nurse, author Barbara Petersen delivers powerful and necessary information as well as some uncomfortable truths about the process and the business behind it. A valuable and accessible resource for families and all levels of caregivers of hospice patients, this book helps everyone know what to expect and how to better help these patients during their final months, weeks, or days.
See the ABOUT link for puchasing the book and other ways to contact Barbara.
Is an RN with a BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing) degree with 50 years of experience. As a Nurse Consultant, Barbara draws from her varied background in different nursing specialties. All of them involved the study of anatomy and physiology and nutrition and medications. She has the ability to explain terms and treatments and help search with you, or for you, for answers.
Barbara will help you understand:
the diagnosis given to you by your doctor and the associated symptoms and treatments.
the written materials that were given to you by your pharmacist or doctor.
the medical lingo, in those written materials, by explaining them in common terms
Barbara has studied a wide variety of integrative medical practices. Having an understanding of allopathic (regular or western) medicine and integrative (also called alternative or complimentary medicine), she will help you:
explore and explain integrative treatments that may be available
find answers and suggest referrals
expand on the choices for treatment of the medical concerns you have
come speak to senior and student groups about topics of interest about allopathic or integrative medicine or medical care.
As a Hospice Nurse for 20 years Barbara U'ialoha Pa’a can also be helpful to patients, family members and their caregivers. Whether you are already involved in or anticipating hospice care, she is privileged to be your Navigator:
come speak to individuals, families, community or student groups about the difference between hospice and palliative care.
explain all the services that hospice agencies provide
consult with patients, families and caregivers to help them understand the dying process and the recommendations for care during that time.
give emotional and spiritual support to patients and families and caregivers about the difficulties they encounter.
discuss how the transition process can unfold gracefully for all involved.
provide Hawaiian Healing or Reiki treatments to patients and caregivers.
And explain the changes hospice patients go through, the medications used and the responsibilities families and caregivers have for both the patient and themselves.
A Nurse Consultant cannot make a diagnosis or prescribe medication or be a substitute for a Medical Doctor.
The modalities offered and treatments performed do not constitute medical care. They are considered integrative modalities. If you have any further questions about a medical matter, a consultation with your doctor will be recommended.