NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Passionate advocate for end-of-life care and TikTok star Hadley Vlahos shares moving stories of joy, wisdom, and redemption from her patients’ final moments in this “brilliant” (Zibby Owens, Good Morning America) memoir. “This extraordinary book helps dispel fear around death and dying—revealing it to be a natural part of our soul’s evolution.”—Laura Lynne Jackson, New York Times bestselling author of Signs and The Light Between UsTalking about death and dying is considered taboo in polite company, and even in the medical field. Our ideas about dying are confusing at best: Will our memories flash before our eyes? Regrets consume our thoughts? Does a bright light appear at the end of a tunnel? For most people, it will be a slower process, one eased with preparedness, good humor, and a bit of faith. At the forefront of changing attitudes around palliative care is hospice nurse Hadley Vlahos, who shows that end-of-life care can teach us just as much about how to live as it does about how we die. Vlahos was raised in a strict religious household, but began questioning her beliefs in high school after the sudden death of a friend. When she got pregnant at nineteen, she was shunned by her community and enrolled herself in nursing school to be able to support herself and her baby. But nursing soon became more than a job: when she focused on palliative care and hospice work, it became a calling.  In The In-Between, Vlahos recounts the most impactful experiences she’s had with the people she’s worked with—from the woman who never once questioned her faith until she was close to death, to the older man seeing visions of his late daughter, to the young patient who laments that she spent too much of her short life worrying about what others thought of her—while also sharing her own fascinating journey. Written with profound insight, humility, and respect, The In-Between is a heartrending memoir that shows how caring for others can transform a life while also offering wisdom and comfort for those dealing with loss and providing inspiration for how to live now. Read more

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Passionate advocate for end-of-life care and TikTok star Hadley Vlahos shares moving stories of joy, wisdom, and redemption from her patients’ final moments in this “brilliant” (Zibby Owens, Good Morning America) memoir. “This extraordinary book helps dispel fear around death and dying—revealing it to be a natural part of our soul’s evolution.”—Laura Lynne Jackson, New York Times bestselling author of Signs and The Light Between Us Talking about death and dying is considered taboo in polite company, and even in the medical field. Our ideas about dying are confusing at best: Will our memories flash before our eyes? Regrets consume our thoughts? Does a bright light appear at the end of a tunnel? For most people, it will be a slower process, one eased with preparedness, good humor, and a bit of faith. At the forefront of changing attitudes around palliative care is hospice nurse Hadley Vlahos, who shows that end-of-life care can teach us just as much about how to live as it does about how we die. Vlahos was raised in a strict religious household, but began questioning her beliefs in high school after the sudden death of a friend. When she got pregnant at nineteen, she was shunned by her community and enrolled herself in nursing school to be able to support herself and her baby. But nursing soon became more than a job: when she focused on palliative care and hospice work, it became a calling. In The In-Between, Vlahos recounts the most impactful experiences she’s had with the people she’s worked with—from the woman who never once questioned her faith until she was close to death, to the older man seeing visions of his late daughter, to the young patient who laments that she spent too much of her short life worrying about what others thought of her—while also sharing her own fascinating journey. Written with profound insight, humility, and respect, The In-Between is a heartrending memoir that shows how caring for others can transform a life while also offering wisdom and comfort for those dealing with loss and providing inspiration for how to live now. Read more

A hospice nurse’s unflinching look at life, death, and redemption.Death is undeniable and unavoidable. We must accept it; there is no other choice. But coming to terms with our mortality can profoundly influence how we live—and how we die. Having been a hospice nurse for decades, Penny Hawkins Smith is an expert on death and dying. As a recovering alcoholic and former drug addict, she knows what it means to change course and become a meaningful contributor to society. Through her work with death, Penny found her purpose in life.In Influencing Death, Penny brings transparency and levity to the grim topic of death while revealing truths about the reckless past that influenced her decision to become a hospice nurse. Using down-to-earth, compassionate storytelling, she transports listeners into the room with dying people and their families, laying bare the raw and real human emotions and behaviors people have when life and death are hanging in the balance.Weaving together dual narratives of death and life, Penny challenges us to see how embracing our own mortality—and the mortality of the people we love—can help us live more fully and approach the end of life with greater acceptance, grace, and peace. Read more

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Passionate advocate for end-of-life care and TikTok star Hadley Vlahos shares moving stories of joy, wisdom, and redemption from her patients’ final moments in this “brilliant” (Zibby Owens, Good Morning America) memoir. “This extraordinary book helps dispel fear around death and dying—revealing it to be a natural part of our soul’s evolution.”—Laura Lynne Jackson, New York Times bestselling author of Signs and The Light Between UsTalking about death and dying is considered taboo in polite company, and even in the medical field. Our ideas about dying are confusing at best: Will our memories flash before our eyes? Regrets consume our thoughts? Does a bright light appear at the end of a tunnel? For most people, it will be a slower process, one eased with preparedness, good humor, and a bit of faith. At the forefront of changing attitudes around palliative care is hospice nurse Hadley Vlahos, who shows that end-of-life care can teach us just as much about how to live as it does about how we die. Vlahos was raised in a strict religious household, but began questioning her beliefs in high school after the sudden death of a friend. When she got pregnant at nineteen, she was shunned by her community and enrolled herself in nursing school to be able to support herself and her baby. But nursing soon became more than a job: when she focused on palliative care and hospice work, it became a calling.  In The In-Between, Vlahos recounts the most impactful experiences she’s had with the people she’s worked with—from the woman who never once questioned her faith until she was close to death, to the older man seeing visions of his late daughter, to the young patient who laments that she spent too much of her short life worrying about what others thought of her—while also sharing her own fascinating journey. Written with profound insight, humility, and respect, The In-Between is a heartrending memoir that shows how caring for others can transform a life while also offering wisdom and comfort for those dealing with loss and providing inspiration for how to live now. Read more

A comforting and informative guide that demystifies our end-of-life journey, from the compassionate expert known as @hospicenursejulieWhat if we didn’t consider death the worst possible outcome? What if we discussed it honestly, embraced hospice care, and prepared for the end of our lives with hope and acceptance?    In this compassionate and knowledgeable guide, TikTok star Julie McFadden—known online as “Hospice Nurse Julie”—shares the valuable lessons she’s learned in her fifteen years as an RN in the ICU and in hospice. Expertly interweaving emotional insight and practical advice, Nothing to Fear demystifies end-of-life care for both patients and caregivers, covering topics including:the biological details of dyingwhich medical interventions help and which only make things worsethe otherworldly beauty of deathbed phenomenafinancial and logistical preparations for deathfacts and myths about hospice carethe most important conversations to have before you diethe grieving process, before and after death    Sure to be a go-to resource for years to come, McFadden’s first book proves a better death goes hand in hand with a better life. Read more

This is the final book to my series of four, which I believe will offer the perfect balance of information relative to death and dying for the terminal patient, those who love and care for them, and anyone who works in the end-of-life field.The Conversation is a book that combines patient stories, conversations I have had with patients about how they want to be cared for and what they struggle with, and the lessons I have learned as a hospice nurse and end-of-life doula witnessing almost 2,000 last breaths. Having the conversation with the people you love can actually make the entire process a little easier for all, because it is in those deep, personal, and intimate conversations where your wants and wishes can be heard.When someone is given a terminal diagnosis, their autonomy, their voice, and their personal choices are often taken from them. My goal is to give them their voice back. In order to do that, we need to talk about death and dying, and what matters most to us. This does not need to happen after a diagnosis, in my opinion we should be doing this as early on as we can.Talking about death and dying will not make it happen faster, and not talking about it will not slow things down.This book will hand over some tips and tools for you to get that conversation started.xoGabby Read more

A hospice nurse's unflinching look at life, death, and redemption.Death is undeniable and unavoidable. We must accept it; there is no other choice. But coming to terms with our mortality can profoundly influence how we live-and how we die. Having been a hospice nurse for decades, Penny Hawkins Smith is an expert on death and dying. As a recovering alcoholic and former drug addict, she knows what it means to change course and become a meaningful contributor to society. Through her work with death, Penny found her purpose in life.In Influencing Death, Penny brings transparency and levity to the grim topic of death while revealing truths about the reckless past that influenced her decision to become a hospice nurse. Using down-to-earth, compassionate storytelling, she transports readers into the room with dying people and their families, laying bare the raw and real human emotions and behaviors people have when life and death are hanging in the balance.Weaving together dual narratives of death and life, Penny challenges us to see how embracing our own mortality-and the mortality of the people we love-can help us live more fully and approach the end of life with greater acceptance, grace, and peace. Read more

RNCM: The Comprehensive Guide for the Hospice Nurse Case Manager is a must-read for anyone working in the field of hospice and palliative care. Written by Frank M. Owen II, BSN, RN, a retired US Army Medic and seasoned healthcare professional with a diverse background in various areas of nursing and healthcare management, this book is a comprehensive guide to the role and responsibilities of the hospice case manager.In this book, Frank introduces readers to the concept of hospice care and focuses on the role of the hospice case manager. He discusses the various responsibilities and skills required for success in this role and offers strategies for overcoming common challenges that hospice case managers may face. The book also delves into the importance of care planning and coordination, covering topics such as developing comprehensive care plans, collaborating with the hospice care team, and communicating with patients and their families.Frank also covers clinical assessment and management, including symptom identification and management, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support. He discusses the challenges and rewards of providing hospice care in long-term care facilities, including nursing homes and memory care communities, and covers the importance of customer service and marketing in hospice care.The book addresses the sensitive topic of the death visit, discussing the process of pronouncing death, preparing the body of the deceased, and the steps to take after death has occurred. Frank also covers documentation and legal issues, discussing the importance of accurate and thorough documentation and the legal and ethical considerations that must be taken into account in hospice care.Frank provides guidance on working with special populations, including older adults, terminally ill children, and patients with advanced dementia, and writes about advanced care planning, including end-of-life discussions with patients and their families, decision-making around life-sustaining treatments, and bereavement support for families after a patient's death.In the final chapter, Frank reflects on the positive impact of hospice care on patients and their families and the importance of the hospice case manager in providing high-quality care. RNCM: The Comprehensive Guide for the Hospice Nurse Case Manager is an essential resource for anyone working in the field of hospice and palliative care, providing a thorough and comprehensive guide to the role and responsibilities of the hospice case manager. It is a valuable resource for nurses looking to improve their knowledge and skills in this important and rewarding field. Read more

An updated edition of the most respected book on hospice care—for both patients and caregivers. This warm and informative resource on hospice and other end-of-life care options now gets an update. It receives a new preface and revised guidance on elders who need more long-term care and support, recommendations on pain medications, and advice for those living extended lives with treatable, but not curable, diseases. Written by a hospice nurse, Living at the End of Life reassures us that this difficult time also offers an opportunity to explore and rediscover a richer meaning in life. Drawing on her years of experience, Bell has created a comprehensive, insightful guide to every aspect of hospice care and the final stages of life. For people in hospice, as well as their friends and families, this is an indispensable and trustworthy source of comfort and spiritual healing. Read more

This collection of hospice stories overflows with passion of both hope and despair. Read intriguing stories inspired by Karen's ten years as a hospice nurse. Journey with ten patients through their struggle with a life threatening diagnosis. Experience different family dynamics of coping with fear and death. Learn how to live with hospice support. Enjoy the gems hidden between the chaptersDancing with Angels shares ten hospice experiences. These fictitious stories draw on events from Karen’s ten years as a hospice nurse. She chooses settings and events that emphasize how hospice functions under the federal guidelines. (1)Red Knitted Slippers: A financially strapped Viet Nam Vet dies in his brother’s home.(2)Heaven, I’ve Been There: A single mother with an ‘out of body’ experience has no fear of dying.(3)Bagels and Lox: A grandmother lives one week in her son’s home after experiencing a massive stroke.(4)Get on Board: A grandfather has concern about his grand-children’s spirituality.(5)Orange Bucket: A contractor attempts all holistic and known medical interventions to cure cancer.(6)I Found My Lost Daughter: A Korean War vet finds a daughter born out of wedlock.(7)Where is Ernie? A father with Alzheimer ends his ten year journey confused in a skilled nursing facility.(8)I Want Chocolate at my Memorial: Hospice care extends the life of a ninety-four year old chocoholic grandmother.(9)Queen Victoria: A widow without family wrestles with her self-image.(10)B-17 Bomber’s Final Flight: A World War II Veteran struggles with his wife’s difficulties in accepting his death.Each story shares a hospice journey and how different people faced the reality of death.Hospice does not promise to add or subtract days to life. These stories show how some patients lived longer and more comfortably when hospice controlled their symptoms.Hospice treats the whole patient, physically, emotionally and spiritually with understanding and support. Read more

Mastering Hospice Recertifications: A Comprehensive Guide for Nurses is an essential resource for hospice nurses navigating the complex world of patient recertification. Written by Peter M. Abraham, BSN, RN, a seasoned hospice nurse with years of experience, this book offers a deep dive into the art and science of documenting patient decline and justifying continued hospice care.In today's healthcare landscape, accurate and compelling recertification documentation is more crucial than ever. This guide provides the tools, techniques, and insights needed to master this critical aspect of hospice nursing. Whether you're new to hospice care or a seasoned professional looking to refine your skills, this book is your roadmap to excellence in recertification.Key features of "Mastering Hospice Recertifications" include:The innovative "Recert Jot" method for ongoing documentationOverview of CMS standards and requirementsStrategies for Crafting Effective Recertification NarrativesSample notes for various diagnoses, from cancer to dementiaTips for integrating hospice and palliative care scales into your assessmentsGuidance on addressing challenging cases and ethical considerationsBest practices for demonstrating patient declineBut this book is more than just a manual—it's a compassionate guide recognizing the heart of hospice care. Abraham understands that behind every recertification is a patient and family navigating life's most challenging journey. His warm, empathetic approach shines through, reminding readers of their work's profound impact on patients' lives.You'll learn how to:Balance regulatory requirements with patient-centered careCommunicate effectively with families about recertificationUse comparative documentation techniques to illustrate declineLeverage recertification data for quality improvementAvoid common pitfalls in documentationMastering Hospice Recertifications also includes a bonus chapter on using recertification data to drive quality improvement initiatives, helping you contribute to advancing hospice care as a whole.This comprehensive guide is more than just a book—it's an investment in your professional growth and ability to provide the highest-quality end-of-life care. By mastering the art of recertification, you'll ensure compliance, secure continued patient care, and gain the confidence to advocate effectively for those in your care.This book provides the knowledge and tools to excel, whether documenting a patient's journey, collaborating with your interdisciplinary team, or explaining the recertification process to families.Don't let the complexities of recertification documentation hold you back. With Mastering Hospice Recertifications, you'll be equipped to navigate this crucial aspect of hospice care with skill, confidence, and compassion. Order your copy today and take the first step towards becoming a master of hospice recertification. Read more

What’s going to happen? How will we manage? There are things I still want to do. I’m afraid…As death approaches, both patient and family must cope with grief, pain, and seemingly unanswerable questions. It’s a time of challenge, of concerns. But, as hospice nurse Karen Whitley Bell reminds us, it also offers an opportunity to explore and rediscover the fuller, richer meaning of life. Drawing on her years of experience, Bell has created a comprehensive, insightful guide to every aspect of hospice care and the final stages of life. She discusses the physical, emotional, and spiritual journey a dying person goes through; care-giving during this difficult period; closure, and loss and the lessons it teaches us. In addition to her warm, yet knowledgeable voice, readers get firsthand accounts of experiences in hospice care, making Living at the End of Life accessible, reassuring, and indispensable. Read more

Life and death go hand in hand, two sides of the same coin. Most people in America die in a hospital, but many families choose hospice for end of life care. Death, as experienced by hospice nurses, can be beautiful, peaceful, humorous, touching, tragic, disturbing, and even otherworldly. Hospice nurses midwife the dying into the next world every day. Death transforms not just the patient and family, but the hospice nurse as well. The stories in this book are presented with the hope that their transformation extends to you, too. Heidi Barr, R.N. Read more

Mastering Hospice Eligibility: An Essential Guide for RNs and Clinical Managers for Nurses is an indispensable resource for hospice and palliative care professionals seeking to navigate the complex world of hospice admissions confidently and precisely. Written by Peter M. Abraham, BSN, RN, this comprehensive guide draws from extensive experience to provide a detailed roadmap for determining hospice eligibility across various conditions.At its core, Mastering Hospice Eligibility offers:A step-by-step walkthrough of the typical admission process, from initial referral to on-site completion.In-depth coverage of eligibility criteria for various diseases and conditions, including handling diseases and conditions without LCD guidelines and reviewing GIP admission requirements.Practical advice on interviewing techniques, assessment strategies, and interpreting CMS guidelinesGuidance on using clinical judgment to make informed decisions in complex casesTools for substantiating admissions with peer-reviewed research and personal experiencesThe book is structured to support nurses throughout the entire admission process:Preparation: Learn how to effectively review clinicals and past medical history, setting the stage for a thorough assessment.Interview and Observation: Discover essential questions and critical observations to make during the hospice admission visit.Assessment: Gain insights into conducting comprehensive head-to-toe assessments tailored to hospice patients.Eligibility Determination: Understand general guidelines for terminal prognosis and specific criteria for various conditions.Decision-Making: Learn how to review cases, make recommendations, and communicate effectively with the hospice team and families.Mastering Hospice Eligibility also includes valuable resources such as hospice and palliative care scales, making it a one-stop reference for hospice nurses. The author's emphasis on empowering nurses to trust their clinical judgment while providing tools to support their decisions is a recurring theme throughout the book.Whether you're a seasoned hospice nurse looking to refine your skills or a newcomer to the field seeking guidance, "Mastering Hospice Eligibility" offers the knowledge and tools needed to:Improve the quality of patient care.Streamline the admission process.Enhance communication with patients, families, and healthcare teams.Navigate complex cases with greater confidence.Ensure compliance with CMS guidelines while prioritizing patient needs.Peter M. Abraham's compassionate approach and clear writing style make this guide informative and accessible. By combining clinical expertise with practical wisdom, "Mastering Hospice Eligibility" empowers nurses to make informed decisions that ultimately improve the end-of-life journey for patients and their families.For any nurse involved in hospice admissions, Mastering Hospice Eligibility: An Essential Guide for RNs and Clinical Managers for Nurses is more than just a book – it's an essential companion that will enhance your practice, deepen your understanding and ultimately contribute to better outcomes for those in hospice care. Read more

Mastering Hospice Eligibility: An Essential Guide for RNs and Clinical Managers for Nurses is an indispensable resource for hospice and palliative care professionals seeking to navigate the complex world of hospice admissions confidently and precisely. Written by Peter M. Abraham, BSN, RN, this comprehensive guide draws from extensive experience to provide a detailed roadmap for determining hospice eligibility across various conditions.At its core, Mastering Hospice Eligibility offers:A step-by-step walkthrough of the typical admission process, from initial referral to on-site completion.In-depth coverage of eligibility criteria for various diseases and conditions, including handling diseases and conditions without LCD guidelines and reviewing GIP admission requirements.Practical advice on interviewing techniques, assessment strategies, and interpreting CMS guidelinesGuidance on using clinical judgment to make informed decisions in complex casesTools for substantiating admissions with peer-reviewed research and personal experiencesThe book is structured to support nurses throughout the entire admission process:Preparation: Learn how to effectively review clinicals and past medical history, setting the stage for a thorough assessment.Interview and Observation: Discover essential questions and critical observations to make during the hospice admission visit.Assessment: Gain insights into conducting comprehensive head-to-toe assessments tailored to hospice patients.Eligibility Determination: Understand general guidelines for terminal prognosis and specific criteria for various conditions.Decision-Making: Learn how to review cases, make recommendations, and communicate effectively with the hospice team and families.Mastering Hospice Eligibility also includes valuable resources such as hospice and palliative care scales, making it a one-stop reference for hospice nurses. The author's emphasis on empowering nurses to trust their clinical judgment while providing tools to support their decisions is a recurring theme throughout the book.Whether you're a seasoned hospice nurse looking to refine your skills or a newcomer to the field seeking guidance, "Mastering Hospice Eligibility" offers the knowledge and tools needed to:Improve the quality of patient care.Streamline the admission process.Enhance communication with patients, families, and healthcare teams.Navigate complex cases with greater confidence.Ensure compliance with CMS guidelines while prioritizing patient needs.Peter M. Abraham's compassionate approach and clear writing style make this guide informative and accessible. By combining clinical expertise with practical wisdom, "Mastering Hospice Eligibility" empowers nurses to make informed decisions that ultimately improve the end-of-life journey for patients and their families.For any nurse involved in hospice admissions, Mastering Hospice Eligibility: An Essential Guide for RNs and Clinical Managers for Nurses is more than just a book – it's an essential companion that will enhance your practice, deepen your understanding and ultimately contribute to better outcomes for those in hospice care. Read more

Unless you're immortal, you need this book!Facing the end of your life or the life of a loved one doesn’t have to be scary.Hospice Plain and Simple is a practical, compassionate guide for patients, families, and caregivers navigating the end-of-life journey. Written by veteran hospice nurse Brenda Hampton, this book offers honest, clear information about what hospice really is—and what it isn’t.With over 27 years of experience, Brenda walks you through every step: when to call hospice, what to expect, how to manage care, and how to find peace in the process. You’ll find answers to tough questions, guidance on making hard choices, and real stories from the bedside that bring clarity and comfort.Whether you’re preparing for your own care or supporting a loved one, this book will help you understand the process, let go of fear, and make the most of every moment.Hospice Plain and Simple is a guidebook about hospice care: what it is, what it isn’t and how we die.About the AuthorBrenda Hampton, RN, has worked in hospice care for over 27 years, guiding thousands of patients and families through the most challenging chapters of their lives. Known for her no-nonsense compassion and heartfelt communication, Brenda brings a nurse’s knowledge and a friend’s warmth to every page of this book. Hospice Plain and Simple is her way of continuing that care—long after the last visit. Read more