[Fiesta Red]

Hello,

I'm thinking about a change in my nursing career. Currently, I'm an ER RN with 5 years of experience, all within the ER. Hospice has always been an interest from when I was in nursing school. Has anyone here made the transition from ER to Hospice? Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance!
-Mark

[weelj]

Hi, I made the switch from ER to Hospice over a year ago and think it was the best thing i have ever done. I feel that i now have time to be a nurse. The money is not great and the paperwork can be heavy but its worth it. It can be very flexible. If you don't feel comfortable offering emotional support and talking about hard topics this is not the job for you. If you like getting to know your pts then you will love it. I wish you luck

[Allow Mystery]

Hi Mark, I didn't make the switch directly from ER but did have ER experience. I'll just say this; you will be going from frantically trying to save life, to patiently allowing death. It's not so much experience as it is compassion, it's what's inside of you. If you have the pull, you may want to yield. Best wishes and may God bless!

[ManEnough]

I made the transition from ER to hospice and it's the single greatest decision I ever made.

Before: 12.5 hour shifts (when I got out on time), working every other weekend, one 30 minute break a shift (when I was lucky), constantly apologizing to patients for ridiculously long waits, arrogant doctors, lack of supplies, etc. etc.

After: 8 hour shifts, work one weekend a month, 30 minute break every day (unless I decide to skip it... and finish early), have all the supplies and resources I need to keep my patients comfortable and well taken care of.

No amount of money could take me back to the ER. (Though I still have profound respect for all people who work in ERs). Hospice is the hidden gem of nursing.

If that little voice deep down inside is drawing you to hospice, that's your intuition. I'd listen to what it has to say.