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Winter Reflections

I must admit I had some problems with Weisiger's article "Let Her Go!! Unafraid to Die." First, if the family had already determined they wanted nothing done medically for the author's mother, why was she admitted to the hospital, rather than just dying at home? Second, does a lung scan and an IV heparin drip classify as "extreme measures"? I don't think so. The patient may or may not have responded to that treatment, but just because she received it did not mean that she needed to have CPR for cardiac or respiratory failure. She could still have been a "no code" according to her wishes.

  
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Melodee Yohe

 

Glen Ellyn, IL

 

Weisiger's article conveys a very real problem that health care workers sometimes struggle with-when to stop trying to treat. Some do not understand palliative care as opposed to treatment.

 

Julia Emblen

 

Dallas, OR

 

I read my winter copy of JCN from cover to cover within two days. Like a child listening to a bedtime story, I was disappointed when I reached the end, wishing there was still more to read.

 

The cover was spectacular!! I liked the symbolism of winter representing Life in the Face of Death. It was both visually and emotionally appropriate.

 

Anne Workman

 

Huntsville, Ontario, Canada

 

The cover is nice, and I enjoyed the articles. "Why Do Our Patients Die in Silence?" was of particular interest. This article contains an excellent message to nurses, one that we all need to hear.

 

I like the clarity of the Calendar and Resources pages. I always read them first.

 

Carol Story

 

Everett, WA

 

Thoughts on Fall 2002

I appreciated O'Leary's article on violence in the workplace, as this is such a growing concern. I was concerned, however, that in her attempt to integrate faith with a response to violence, it may have unintentionally sent a message that as Christians we should be willing to take a little abuse. I agree that as Christians we have other resources and strength available to use to help in these situations. A clearer distinction could have been made between the best action to take in cases of violence and how we can draw on our faith in preventing escalation of anger.

 

Beverly Hancock

 

Chicago, IL

 

Back to Summer 2002

Thank you for "A Time-Tested Tool: The SWB Scale in Nursing Research." The history behind the development of the instrument was interesting. My favorite quote was "SWB helps buffer people against the negative effects of suffering." Research is documenting the positive effects of SWB. JCN is a valuable resource, and I look forward to each issue.

 

Belinda Deal

 

Tyler, TX

 

Who Needs Theories, Anyhow?

As a masters' nursing student, I found Bonnie Miller's article very helpful. In our class we study various nursing theorists. Miller helped to clarify what Martha Rogers thought and the philosophical underpinnings of her theory. I wonder why Rogers does not acknowledge that humans are not just energy fields but also matter and that we live in four dimensions, not pandimensionally. How does Rogers's theory help nurses caring for people who are suffering and dying? What hope or meaning does her theory give to nurses in crisis situations?

 

I hope Miller keeps writing for JCN and pointing out where nursing is straying from a Christian worldview.

 

Susan Atkins

 

Fairfield, CA

 

Kudos for JCN

The journals are heart warming, informative and supporting. Thank you.

 

Pearl McGuire-Hadlock

 

Reedsburg, WI

 

JCN is first rate. I have been encouraged and blessed by many of the articles. Working in a secular atmosphere depletes my spirit, but reading the articles gives me the strength and renewed vigor to let my light shine.

 

Ketty Honore

 

Yeadon, PA

 

LOOKINGAHEAD

The next few issues will include articles on these topics:

 

* Approaching the Spiritual Realm

 

* Ethics & Technology

 

* Global Health

 

* Racial Reconciliation