Dear Students

Please visit the following links and read the short stories on Palliative Care.

Read the story once through to get its flow.

Then Read it again analytically, ask yourself the following questions:

What does this story teach about the characteristics of palliative care?

What aspects of palliative care interventions were offered in this story?

What was the impact/effect of these interventions on the patient?

What was the impact/effect of these interventions on the family of the patient?

What unexpected twists and turn happened in the story?
This questions are related to this case-study
Dear dedicated nurses of HospiceWits (particularly My Super Stars Nancy Boyama and sr Rachel Mabena

I hope this letter reaches you, showering you with love, admiration, and boundless gratitude. My name is Sasha Ryan and I am writing to express my deepest appreciation for the exceptional care and unwavering support you provided to my mother (Shannon Ryan)during her battle with a life-threatening disease.

Words cannot capture the profound impact you had on our lives. From the moment you walked into our lives, it was evident that you possess an extraordinary blend of compassion, expertise, and unwavering dedication to your craft. Your tireless efforts and selfless acts of kindness breathed life into my mother’s spirit and played an instrumental role in her miraculous recovery.

During those trying times, you became the pillars of strength that we desperately needed. You saw beyond the visible symptoms and embraced my mother’s humanity, treating her with the utmost respect, dignity, and genuine care. Your tender touch, listening ear, and reassuring words acted as a soothing balm that healed not only her physical wounds but also the emotional scars that plagued her.

I watched with wonder as you seamlessly integrated the art and science of nursing, masterfully navigating the complex web of medical procedures, medications, and treatments. Yet, it was your unwavering empathy, patience, and understanding that truly set you apart. You provided a safe harbor amidst the tempest, instilling hope and fostering an environment of healing, love, and trust.

Your presence in our lives was a constant reminder of the remarkable impact one individual can have. Your unwavering commitment to care inspired me beyond measure. Witnessing the profound difference you made in my mother’s life ignited a fire within me – a passion to become a nurse and an ardent desire to touch the lives of others in need, just as you did for my mother.

It is with tremendous joy and determination that I share with you my decision to study nursing. I have enrolled in a nursing program, humbled by the opportunity to follow in your footsteps, to offer comfort, hope, and healing to those who find themselves in the midst of darkness and uncertainty. You have shown me the true essence of nursing – a noble profession that goes beyond medical knowledge and technical skills, and instead focuses on the power of compassion, empathy, and genuine human connection.

As I embark on this journey, I carry the lessons you taught me deep within my heart. I am committed to emulating your unwavering dedication, your compassion-driven care, and your ability to truly see and embrace the humanity in every patient. Your impact on my life has been immeasurable, and I hope to pay it forward by making a difference in the lives of others.

In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you, my heroes in white. Your influence is imprinted on my soul, and I will forever cherish the memories of the love and care you bestowed upon my mother. Thank you for inspiring me, for lighting the path towards my purpose, and for instilling within me the belief that kindness and compassion can change lives.

With deep appreciation and admiration,

Sasha Ryan daughter to
Shannon Ryan

This letter expresses deep gratitude and appreciation to the nurses of HospiceWits for the exceptional care and support provided to the writer's mother during her battle with a life-threatening disease. The letter highlights the extraordinary blend of compassion, expertise, and dedication shown by the nurses, and acknowledges the profound impact they had on the patient and her family.

In terms of characteristics of palliative care, the story emphasizes the importance of compassion, empathy, and genuine human connection in nursing. The nurses provided not only physical care but also emotional support, treating the patient with respect and dignity.

The story also illustrates the impact of palliative care interventions on both the patient and her family. The care provided by the nurses was described as a soothing balm that healed not only the patient's physical wounds but also the emotional scars that plagued her. The nurses became pillars of strength for the family during a difficult time, instilling hope and fostering an environment of healing, love, and trust.

One unexpected twist in the story is the writer's decision to study nursing after witnessing the profound difference the nurses made in her mother's life. This unexpected turn of events demonstrates the lasting impact and inspiration that can be provided by dedicated and compassionate healthcare professionals.

Overall, the story serves as a heartfelt tribute to the nurses of HospiceWits, recognizing their selfless dedication and the transformative power of palliative care in the lives of patients and their families.