This is a special time of year and a special issue of Home Healthcare Nurse. The holidays are a time when we reflect on the year that has come and, seemingly, so quickly gone.
Like the best of home care and hospice, this journal is a collaborative effort to bring the best to our readers. The team at HHN wishes to particularly thank the manuscript reviewers who provided their time and specialized expertise to review topics on a wide range of practice and research topics. More than 50 reviewers provided their thoughtful suggestions to improve manuscripts and assist in their journey to becoming published articles. HHN reviewers encompass many credentials, certifications, and disciplines. Included are RNs, PTs, OTs, PhDs, MBAs, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, and others. We thank you so much for your work and efforts related to HHN. This special list of reviewers can be found on page 763; thank you for your thoughtful reviews.
Similarly, we also thank the authors of articles and contributors to departments in the journal throughout this past year-your efforts kept us updated on regulatory changes, OASIS nuances, new books, useful Web sites, news items that impact home care and hospice, and numerous other areas important for education and practice. The summation of the year's work and writings are listed in the annual index, which can be found at the end of the issue.
This issue launches a new series entitled "Caring for Patients of Diverse Religious Traditions." The first of this series, written by Leslie Boylan (formerly Neal), addresses Judaism. These pieces seek to review fundamentals of varying religious traditions and to provide information that may impact care provided by home care and hospice team members. As religious beliefs and traditions are an important part of any celebrated holiday, this may be a good time to remember the saying that "joy is not in things-it is in us." It is hard to believe this as we walk around stores decorated to the hilt (gilt?) with tantalizing treats and children pulling out their latest list of "must haves." Simply said, the gifts that we give to others and those we receive are not what we remember years from now. Instead, and more importantly, we remember the times spent together with friends and family and the special memories made at certain holidays.
Caring for patients and their families in their communities and the desire to make a positive difference is the reason many of us became home care or hospice nurses. This spirit of kindness we bring while being in patients' homes is part of what makes our profession so unique. Celebrate this special time with your family and friends, and enjoy each moment. In your many additional roles at this time of year, while driving children or grandchildren to a party, or baking cookies for friends celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, take the time to savor the moments and seal these memories. This giving of self and time can be truly spiritually and otherwise renewing. Take care and try to really enjoy this time; set limits. Do what is good for you and your family. Smell the pine needles, the bayberry candles, and the coffee cakes!! Sip hot chocolate and smell the cinnamon as you decorate cookies. Here's hoping that you and your loved ones have a wonderful holiday season. Wishing you and yours the best season ever-