Articles written by F. Burgess (RN, BSN)

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About me - F. Burgess (RN, BSN)

I am a RN BSN with 27 years experience in all areas except emergency rooms and pediatrics. I have a deep passion for nursing and want to share my knowledge through writing. I worked for our Veterans for 14 years and learned so much while gaining more experience

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Health & Fitness > Medical Ethics Is physician-assisted euthanasia a patient's right?: 4 of 11

I do not believe a patient has the right to expect a physician to assist in their suicide. Euthanasia is a word I associate with animals as mercy killings to stop undesired suffering from injury or illness. I am referring to nonhuman animals that depend on others to perform this act of compassion. As a nurse, I heard of merc...
Health & Fitness > Medical Ethics Is signing a DNR (do not resuscitate) order passive suicide?: 15 of 31

Signing a DNR order is not a form of passive suicide but rather a living will' of sorts instructing healthcare providers on your wishes to die with dignity. Refusal of treatments is more like passive suicide because the consequences would most likely lead to death as explained to the patient. Most DNRs are written for termin...
Health & Fitness > Health Testimonies Are doctors motivated by high pay or healing patients?: 8 of 14

I do not think anyone would go through the grueling study of medicine only for the pay. Some areas of medicine pays more than others so if it were only for the pay, wouldn't most doctors be heart surgeons? As for any job, a person must have some passion and fulfillment for a lasting career. Yes, there is no mistake that some...
Health & Fitness > Health Testimonies Living with type 2 diabetes: 3 of 5

I diagnosed myself with type 2 diabetes approximately 7 years ago while on the job. I am a registered nurse who, while on the job, began feeling "strange". I cannot exactly explain the feeling except that I was lightheaded as if floating in air. Something told me to check my blood sugar, so I did, only to discover it to be e...
Health & Fitness > Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder: Illness or excuse?: 69 of 85

I recognized bipolar disorder as an illness when I was diagnosed in 1988 at age 27. It is one of those illnesses that can be difficult to "prove to others" because it is often mistaken for different types of personality disorders. The mood swings can appear to be a temper tantrum or hyperactivity. When I thought I didn't nee...
Creative Writing > Memoirs Testimonies: Scary hospital stories: 5 of 6

Our world was turned upside down when my fianc was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2005. He underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy before admission to the hospital for surgery. I promised him that I would monitor all care provided and make sure he leaves the hospital alive (his main fear). The operation was perform...