The loss of a pet can be very traumatic. Pets are family and the loss of a pet can be as traumatic as losing a family member. Unfortunately, many individuals mock this type of loss and mock it as insignificant. This is unfortunate and very untrue. The loss of a pet needs to be respected as a significant loss.
The loss of a pet can be as traumatic as the loss of any family member. Please also review our Pet Loss Grief Counseling Program
The article, “Here’s How the Death of a Pet Can Be Just as Traumatic as Other Forms of Grief” by Philip Ellis states,
“So often, when an animal companion dies and the human partner is bereft, well-meaning people say things such as: ‘it’s only a dog,’ ‘come on, get over it,’ ‘you can always get another one,’ ‘they’re better off,’ ‘be strong,’ ‘you’re crying too much,’ ‘get a life.’ And so the grief-stricken suffer again.”
Pharmacies and pharmacists are not immune to substance abuse. With the access they have and the professional livelihood at risk, it is important for ethical use of their position. Not only with themselves but with how drugs are dispensed.
Pharmacies must have high standards. Please also review our Substance Abuse Counseling Training program and see if it marches your needs
The article, “Substance Abuse Poses Challenges in Pharmacies” by Ned Milenkovich states,
“A state pharmacy board generally does not allow a pharmacist to resume practicing if evidence shows that the individual in question has been involved in substance abuse. ”
Pastoral Thanatology is the study of pastoral care of the dying. It is a study but also a active ministry dedicated to the dying and applying the principles of care. Pastoral Thanatology deals with not only understanding the process of death but also helping individuals and families face death.
Pastoral Thanatology is about caring for the dying. Physicians, caregivers and ministers should have a strong understanding of death and how to help people through it
While it is a difficult reality to accept, one must eventually accept death. Death visits many people in different forms throughout their lives. Many experience death at a young age through the loss of a pet. Others may experience death all to commonly but the the reality that death occurs will manifest in one’s life. Those who seek to deny this and live in a world where death has no power are the most profoundly wounded when death strikes.
It is important to have a healthy respect for death. One does not need to have a morbid obsession with it but a healthy respect. A respect for the reality of death means one is not fearful to discuss it. One should not fear to discuss the death of oneself in the future or the death of a loved one. Many fear these discussions of death but by postponing these discussions they only make death worst when it does arrive.
Those who fear death are not prepared for death. Their Will is not in order, nor their future wishes. This leaves families without guidance after death. Others who refuse to discuss death with dying family members miss out on close and personal good byes that may not be able be said on the eve of death. Discussion of death is critical to a prepared death. One cannot allow a morbid fear of death and dying to complicate future issues.
It is hence important to understand the reality of death. It is important to know that when death is on the horizon not to dismiss it but to prepare for it. Many look to hospice to find relief. Some see hospice as a death sentence and refuse to utilize its services. This fear of death prevents important care to minimize pain and discomfort. Hospice is about quality of life. It looks care for terminal cases with 6 months or less to live. This does not mean one surrenders to death or gives up on life but instead one realistically is trying to limit symptoms. Shortness of breath, intense pain and other symptoms can be successfully dealt with by a hospice team. (1)
One can still have a medical team dedicated to treating the disease or looking to treat the disease itself but hospice will attempt to make the time more comforting. This is far from surrender but a realistic but also optimistic approach. Why should one live in discomfort? Instead minimize the symptoms of death and terminal disease while still looking for a cure. This is the proper mindset one should have in regards to the utilization of hospice.
Hospice is not surrendering to death but hoping to manage the symptoms of dying
A more acute form of care is Palliative Care. Palliative Care does not necessarily deal with oncoming and approaching death but is a special care unit designed to treat symptoms associated with a particular type of disease. They work with the primary caregivers and other healthcare team members in helping the person deal with the ongoing illness. Many units deal with cancer and other dangerous diseases. While both Palliative Care and Hospice deal with symptoms they do differ. Hospice deals with the dying while Palliative Care deals with those who are dealing with an onset of a disease that could possibly kill. (2)
Pastoral Caregivers, ministers, family and other care givers need to understand the phases of death. They need to recognize the reality of death and discuss it with individuals who are dying or with family members who are losing individuals to death. The care and counsel of a minister or caregiver certified and trained in Pastoral Thanaotology is important. The training helps ministers and family help the dying face death from an emotional and spiritual aspect.
The training in death and dying from a theological and philosophical standpoint help the counselor or minister better able to explain death and suffering from multiple cultural, social and religious views. They become equipped to answer questions and help emotionally guide the dying through death. With the combined understanding of the physiology of death, with this philosophical and theological training, a minister or caregiver can confidently help the dying and family.
Doctors, nurses and other primary caregivers should also be trained in Pastoral Thanatology. They need to be able to help their patient beyond just the physical but also treat them in mind and body. Many healthcare professionals lack a good bedside manner. This is unfortunate. With training in Pastoral Thanatology, healthcare providers can become better equipped in the care of the dying.
Elizabeth Kubler Ross was a pioneer in the care of the dying. Her study on the stages of death provided psychological chart for ministers and care givers in understanding the mindset of the dying. While this model is still useful, one must understand that reaction to death, or grief is not always ordered but these various emotions may come in any order. The classic stages include, denial, anger, bargaining, despair and acceptance. One can include many other emotions in the acceptance of death but these are the primary stages. (3)
Again it is imperative to emphasize that many individuals face these stages in various orders and not neatly put together steps. Some may even revert back to previous stages. So one certified in Pastoral Thanatology or ministers to the dying need to acknowledge that different patients react differently to death and need their own unique care.
Ultimately, death must be accepted. How we accept it, how we discuss it and how we deal with it throughout our life will determine our life. We need to be prepared for death and have a healthy acceptance for it.
Please review AIHCP’S Pastoral Thanatology Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals and needs
The American Institute of Health Care Professionals and the American Academy of Grief Counseling acknowledges the need for good care to the dying and the families. AIHCP offers a certification for qualified professionals and clergy to be better equipped to help patients face death.
The program is online and independent study. Students can complete the required courses and then proceed to earn a four year certification in Pastoral Thanatology. The certification helps prepare ministers and other care givers the necessary training in Pastoral Thanatology. If you would like to learn more about care of the dying then please review our Pastoral Thanatology Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.
Health facilities are not perfect. They can make errors. Sometimes the errors are extreme while other times the errors are small and not intended. Medical facilities work hard to minimize error in patient care but sometimes things can still go wrong.
Medical errors can happen. Facilities need to ensure quality but sometimes mistakes happen. Please also review our Legal Nurse Consulting Program
The article, “5 Common Legal Issues Medical Facilities Face” from LAWFUEL looks at some of the more common legal errors medical facilities can make. The article states,
“Workers at health care facilities aim to provide the best possible care for patients, but while doing so, they need to understand the many legal challenges at play in the medical realm. Even when facilities uphold a high standard of care, things can still go wrong and result in lawsuits”
Miscarriage is loss of a child. While legal status may not view it, the human heart clearly understands it. The child loss during pregnancy while never met is still present. Losing the child is losing a future. For some couples it can even more agonizing if they are trying to bring a child into the world.
A miscarriage is a traumatic loss for couples. Losing a child at any age even before birth can be traumatic. Please also review our Grief Counseling Training Program
There are many myths about miscarriage and how it affects the couple. The article, “The 3 Most Destructive Myths about Miscarriage” by Marilyn Mendoza looks at these these myths and addresses why miscarriage is indeed a traumatic loss for parents. The article states,
“The death of a child can be devastating, regardless of their age. What many do not understand, however, is that losing a child before birth can be equally devastating.”
Holistic medicine is considered by some to be taboo while many others find its benefits to be extraordinary. There should be a healthy balance in utilizing various holistic medicines and avoiding others. Some may be snake oil in disguise while other uses may have true traditional and successful uses.
Please review our Integrative Holistic Healthcare Specialist Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals
Holistic medicine in itself seeks to treat the entirety of the human person. It looks at mind, body and spirit. Holistic practitioners believe that optimal health is through balance. The body has many inter dependent parts. If one part of the body is imbalanced, then that can cause multiple health issues. (1)
Holistic medicine in many ways is a life style. It involves eating properly, utilizing herbs and other practices to achieve ultimate balance. Some of the remedies are long term or preventative while others over time can help cure disease. Ultimately, Holistic medicine believes all people have innate healing abilities and that over time one can find healing through a variety of treatments that treat the totality of the body. Holistic medicine does not just look to alleviate symptoms but to also find a cure. (2)
Holistic practitioner look to change the over life style of their patients. They emphasize patient education, exercise and change of diet. They also emphasize utilization of complimentary alternative practices such as acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic, homeopathy and naturopathy. (3)
In essence, Holistic practitioners look to help their patients by unlocking healing and restoring balance. Optimal health is more than just the absence of sickness but a true search for the best lifestyle at every mental, physical and spiritual level. (4)
This is why holistic lifestyles are a acquired habit. They are not fads that come and go but are a commitment to health. It involves a serious understanding of diet and how herbs and various foods affect the body. Food and healthy eating is so critical to health. The diets of many Americans exist on fast food. Bad foods drain the body and lead to sickness.
In addition to better diet, exercise is critical. Strengthening weaknesses and giving the body the exercise it needs is essential to good health. Through good diet and exercise, one can begin to find the balance they need. Sickness, however, can still occur. This is where understanding proper diet for a particular sickness is essential.
Does this mean, one should abandon more acute methods and symptom relieving medications of the West? Absolutely not. In fact, many Holistic practitioners work with other medical providers or are educated in both fields. They see the importance of complementing alternative and Western procedures and medications together.
Many individuals are diagnosed with life threatening diseases. It is important to consult Western professionals but to also utilize the guidance of alternative medications. Many lose hope and turn to only alternative practices, but a wise practitioner will compliment both. A Holistic Nurse Specialist has the capability to help guide a patient to proper alternative medications. A Holistic Nurse Specialist understands how alternative medications and practices interact with Western medicine. They can be an excellent guide in between the doctor visits.
This is not to say one should rebuke the guidance of the primary physician but should keep him informed of any alternative or holistic medications. This ensures ones overall safety and ensures that the individual may be able to utilize all beneficial practices. Many doctors and primary physicians are becoming more and more in tune with holistic practices and can offer advice and guidance.
While holistic medication is about long term life health choices and better life styles, it is not a quick fix. While it can help the body overcome and heal itself, it is not always a guarantee. Prevention and long term healing are usually the outcomes. It involves a commitment by the patient to change and alter life styles for a long and healthy life.
When someone is terminal or facing a possible life altering illness, a person utilizing holistic practices needs to understand that his or her long term health is connected with a new life style. A life style that is committed to certain exercise, diet and types of food. When this is accepted, possible healing can occur. Many times it depends on the severity of the illness and how far along one has dealt with it. Some cases can be reversed through healthy living and working with a primary physician.
The American Institute of Health Care Professionals acknowledges the importance of Holistic alternatives. It understands that Holistic practices are key to overall health. This is why the American Institute of Health Care Professionals is committed to so many alternative programs. Ranging from Hypnotherapy to Emotional Freedom Techniques, the Institute realizes the power of the body to heal itself. Medication is more than just Western concepts but a totality of human experience. Alternative as well conventional methods when used under guidance can be effective in treatments.
Nurses and other healthcare professionals are great candidates to become certified Integrative Holistic Healthcare Specialists
The Holistic Nursing Specialist Program offered by the American Institute of Health Care Professionals offers a chance for nurses and other healthcare professionals to earn a certification in Holistic practices. As a Holistic Specialist, one can help patients explore the many alternative herbs and medications. A Holistic Healthcare Specialist can ensure that alternative practices are utilized in a safe fashion.
This is important because some practices, herbs or medications may contradict each other. One should never delve into the medications without professional guidance. Holistic and alternative medications are no exception. It is hence critical to consult professional opinion and guidance to any health plan one may embark upon. Certified Holistic Healthcare Specialists can be that guiding hand.
The certification for Holistic Integrative Nurse Specialist can help professionals earn a certification to help others utilize alternative practices safely. The program is online and offers core courses within the discipline of Holistic Health. After completing the core courses, the professional applies for a four year certification. The certification can be renewed. The program is independent study and is an excellent format for working professionals to achieve certification.
The certification will give a healthcare professional the needed knowledge and expertise within the field of Holistic practices. The first three courses deal completely with issues surrounding Holistic medicine and health and the other courses deal with spiritual and emotional wellness.
If you are a nurse or healthcare professional and would like to learn more about AIHCP’s Integrative Holistic Healthcare Specialist Program then please review and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.
Drugs do not only affect one physically but also mentally. One’s overall mental health is affected in various different ways with different types of drugs.
Drugs cause multiple mental health issues beyond the physical. Please also review our Substance Abuse Practitioner Program
The article, “How alcohol and drugs affect your mental health” lists a variety of drugs and how they differently affect one’s mental health. Rob Crossan states,
“Most studies of alcohol’s effect on mental health have focused on the most severe addicts, who had almost completely dropped out of society. However, research revealed in the British Medical Journal in 2017 is genuinely game-changing”
Like any prayer or meditation, outside thoughts and emotions can emerge. These sometimes negative emotions can affect one’s ability to find peace and meditate. It is important to be able to channel out distractions and noise and emotions in meditation.
Negativity and emotions can follow us into meditation. Please also review our certified Meditation Instructor Program and see if it meets your professional goals
The article, “Negativity Coming Up When You Meditate? Here’s How To Work Through It” by Adreanna Limbach states,
“Meditating when you’re in a good mood is one thing. Meditating when you’re dealing with inner turmoil? That’s where the real work happens.”
Meditation is about finding peace. In finding peace, sometimes we need to learn how to channel out the distractions and negative emotions that will not allow one to meditate. If you would like to learn more about meditation or would like to become a certified Meditation Instructor then please review the program and see if it matches your professional and academic goals.
Service of care should not be the main contributor of reimbursement but quality of that service. Overall population health, patient experience and patient care that reduces unnecessary stay and services are all critical elements.
Please also review our Healthcare Case Management Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals
The article, “Improve patient care – aim for the Triple” by Phillip Gratzel von Gratz looks at the triple aim of patient experience and health. He states,
“There is a broad consensus around the world that healthcare reimbursement should at least partly be based on performance and outcomes and not exclusively on service provision. This is mostly a theoretical consensus though”
To read the entire article, please click here
Please also review our Healthcare Case Management Program and see if it meets your academic and professional needs. Healthcare Case Managers need to understand the value of patient care in regards to quality and also cost effective ways to treat patients.
Grief while universal is definitely also unique and very complex. The complexity of grief leads to a variety of reactions to loss due to multiple different origins.
Learn more about becoming a certified grief counselor and how to help others overcome the complexity of grief
The article, “The Grief Experience: Survey Shows It’s Complicated” by Koenig takes a closer look at the complexity of grief. She states,
“Many of us have the misperception that there’s a right way to grieve, and most people think they’re doing it wrong,” says Donna Schuurman, a family therapist and senior director of advocacy and training and at the Dougy Center, a Portland, OR, nonprofit that helps people deal with the death of a loved one. “We live in a society that wants us to get over it and move on.”
Grief will always be a complicated emotion to fully understand but we can help others grieve in a healthy way. We can understand the reasons behind each case and help those individuals cope with their grief in effective ways. Please also review our Grief Counseling Courses and see if you would like to become a certified Grief Counselor.
