Who knew I was the next Dr. Kervorkian?

For starters, I have been dreading my mandatory geriatrics rotation....i envisioned a month of breathing in urine soaked sheets and listening to old farts talking about their grandchildren...Not so. Sure I'm spending each day at nursing homes but it isn't so bad. Most of my patients are demented- so they either don't talk or its crazy talk. I've found myself listening to the same Christmas Carol song over and over while writing chart notes and orders b/c an old lady will go crazy if you change it...crazy = meds so let them be crazy if its harmless to avoid sedating them. I've found my favorite old man boyfriend...yep, he's missing toes and teeth but he thinks i'm smart and pretty! I do hate the fact that many of these demented patients just lay there in bed without talking or walking (cuz if that was the case they'd be "walkie-talkies"- quite a complement)...these families insist that EVERYTHING be done for them...ie feeding tubes, blood transfusions, cholesterol medicine and measures to prevent another stroke when they can't move their body...they lay there for years...its not right, but you can't just kill them...sure i'm not suggesting you murder them but what about letting nature take its natural course- don't reinsert another feeding tube, just provide comfort medicines, etc. Really it drives me mad...so if you want everything done to prolong your life for another decade in a vegetative state, don't ask me to be your power of attorney..i won't slip you potassium like dr k but i'll make sure you have just the right amount of morphine.