Feb 11, 2008 12:10 AM - I am glad to hear of your enthusiastic view on working within the hospice area.

Because personality makes the world of difference in anything we do, I am glad that you are most sincere and comfortable around the terminally ill. i am new to this website and this is the 3rd email i am writing where i mentioned about my own desire to learn more about hospice.

thanks, again

Apr 05, 2008 11:57 AM - I've been in HOSPICE only 2 months of my nursing career and I realized that as much as people complain about how hard it is to live in this world if only they knew how much harder it is to die. This job has changed my life so much in such a small amount of time even as I write this I shake because of all the emotions it brings out of me, the families the wonderful, gentle, patients. I pray every day for the continued strength to stay in this field because I too find it so rewarding. Just last week I had my first case where I had too actually sit with the patient and the family(usually I COME IN FOR CHECK IN AND VITALS ETC..) for almost 12 hours, before I left the daughters both hugged me and thanked me saying that they never thought that their Dad would sleep so peacefully when it came to this stage of his death, they stated that they knew he wasn't in any pain because I was there doing all I could to bring him comfort, it took every ounce of control I had at that moment not to break. Some people say ,"oh it gets easier the more patients you lose", I pray that I never feel like that. GOD BLESS US ALL.

Apr 08, 2008 04:24 AM - I began my career in nursing knowing that I am to work in hospice. As a student nursing I have already inwardly conceptualized everything you've written in your article. Those too, are my very reasons for wanting to serve in this area. Thanks for re-validating my life choice. Even some nursing instructors have shuttered when I've told them where I want to work when I graduate.
"Why would you want to work there?", the say with a shutter, and a grimace on their face.
"Because I have always felt 'called' to serve there, and so this is where I need to be."
"Well your new", they reply, "You still have time to decide." I hate when they say that to me.
To me, the art of nursing is very personal. If one doesn't feel 'called' to be there, or to be in a particular area, then they shouldn't be there. There is enough variation in this field we are able to specialize in many different areas. I know I am not 'called' to work in Pedi or Maternity. Get Me Out Of There! But put me on a Med-Surg floor, or in Hospice and I'm at peace.

Apr 10, 2008 10:57 AM - WOW am reading all your self-satisfaction & privilege
for being able to work as a hospice nurse.
Am at the stage of COPD that will soon require me to ask
for admission at a hospice. You have been able to warm
the place for me. thank you.
Safta24

Apr 10, 2008 07:33 PM - God Bless You And Keep You On Your Journey, Love You Always Woith All The Love Of Christ.

Apr 12, 2008 09:41 AM - luvyluvy
Thanks for expressing your concern

safta24

Apr 15, 2008 12:34 AM - If you are a Hospice Nurse, could you write to me? I interview for a Hospice Nurse position tomorrow and could use realistic advice...

Apr 15, 2008 10:41 AM - sfn2008

Ssorry, but am not a Hospice nurse nor ever been involved with hospice work , my loss.
but understand that the gratification with that kind of nursing is un-
surpassed . Goof ;uvk yo you.
safta24

Apr 18, 2008 12:39 AM - When i first started my nursing career I worked in a LTC facility, a setting I was never exposed to and didn't know how to react.Prior to my nursing courses i never worked as an STNA or even stepped foot in a "nursing home" before.At the end of my first week at my new job i started to think that it takes a really special person to do this,and i wasn't that person.Then, close to the end of my shift,i sat at the nurse's station kinda clueless and lost as to what i was suppose to do,a lady walked up to the desk and introduced herself as "Carol, I'm from hospice.Just wanted to check up on my friends." Well, I had no idea who her friend was or what dept they worked in but the woman in front of me beamed with an aura of positive energy that calmed my whole body, almost like this woman was a close personal friend of The Big Guy,and I don't mean the administrator.She sat down, started pulling charts,then started asking some questions on "how's the increase in fentanyl working for Mr.Smith"and "I'm gonna suggest some roxanol for Ms.Jane's air hunger,let's just keep it routine for comfort." Well this was all new to me and i must have looked like a fish out of water cause she began to explain herself and the hospice mission. After we spoke i went with her to assess her "friends". I learned more about nursing in that half-hour than the 2 years i spent thinking i was learning the art.I felt so much admiration and respect for this woman and the compassion she displayed.It was not something she had learned,it was truly a gift from God given to His children that were on thier way home.I have been a nurse now for over four years, in the same LTC setting,except now I am confident and proud of my nursing ethics and standards of care.Every Hospice angel from the nurses managing pain to volunteers that sit at the bedside of someone facing the journey alone, has taught me the true meaning of human compassion.Thank you Hospice, and thank you Carol.

Apr 18, 2008 10:31 AM - jj1986
Right on post enjoyed reading it & wished it was i sitting there
with you learning & watching. Thanks
keep the passion & keep changing the goals PRN
safta24