[OneThunder]

Originally Posted by zacsmimi

For the past year I have worked in a LTC that recently began to work with Hospice. It was so wonderful to see these patients getting one on one, and the kind of time and attention that we just didnt have to give. At the DON's request, I handled the majority of referrals for the house for while, until management decided they wanted a committee to select them - (which never did materalize). Last week I called the local hospital with a suggestion that one of our patients who had been transferred there who was heartbroken with his prognosis, and was alone and failing MIGHT make a good Hospice referral for them. I told my supervisor about it and she said "Good for you!!".
The next day my adminsistrator called me in and told me that "out in the community" there was a rumor that we are "giving up" on our patients, putting them on Hospice and killing them off with Morphine. They then fired me, because I had called the hospital with my suggestion. My supervisor sat there and denied saying that to me.

I dont even know how to feel. But it isnt good. I was looking out for the patient! It seems to me that I was sacrificed to answer the "rumor" ? Any other takes?

1.the discharge planner/social worker at the hospital was not doing their job, they should have considered hospice at one of the choices for this patient
2. Sound like a good opportunity for hospice to do some much needed education in this community regarding not only hospice but the LTC facility nurses (AND administrator) need to know the correct information about morphine and symptom control.
3. YOU sound like you care for your patients,YOU should pershaps look into a career in hospice