Hospice House

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2011

not all hospice care is delivered in a dedicated hospice facility. many people receive hospice services from hospice agencies in snfs or in their own homes. hospices always need nursing aides, and the work can often be tailored around a student's schedule- call a few in your area and see what they say.

Bruce_Wayne, ASN, RN · Nov 4, 2011

One thing about hospice is that you have to have very strong coping mechanisms related to death. But I'm sure that goes without saying.

If you want to dip your toe in the water and get a feel for what hospice is like, there are plenty of volunteer opportunity. That's what experience I have with hospice care, I did reading and meal delivery for a group in New Orleans that focused on providing support, care, social interaction for LGBT hospice patients that have little or no family support.

A lot of people I know that have done hospice before, they do it in burst and then do some other kind of job for a while. If you do it non stop every day, it can really take its toll.

Also if you like high acuity, you might like hospice, especially comfort measures only hospice. It's interesting to see how different things play out in the two different approaches.

diva rn, BSN, RN · Nov 5, 2011

I worked in a free standing Hospice House for a year. I LOVED it. It truely was one of my favorite positions. The facility itself has the look and feel of a 4 star hotel rather than a health care facility. The rooms are all private with luxury appointments. The families can visit 24 hours and they may bring pets to visit as well. THere is a fully stocked kitchen and gourmet meals are prepared for the patients (not the families-but they may use the kitchen in reason) or they may send out for take out or have meals brought in. The lobby is fabulous. The artwork looks like a museum and there is a grand piano. The grounds are beautiful with gardens and fountains, it's very serene. If the patients are able, they may go outside in wheelchairs and sit.

There is 24/7 clergy on call for any denomination and the ministers, priests and rabbis come daily to talk and pray with the patients.

The nursing care is excellent. Our ratio was usually about 4 patients to 1 nurse. And then there was a CNA for 8 patients.

THe emphasis, of course was on palliative care. When the patient was closer to end of life, it became comfort care only.

I did not care for home hospice, but I had many friends who did. I loved, loved the facility.

Another reason I did was, the patients were very appreciative. By the time they were at Hospice house, they had really accepted this was the end of their life. THey were at peace with this...

It is very gratifiying to help someone have a DIGNIFIED death...

It is not as sad as you might think...

I worked ICU for many years...and I have witnessed some really horrifying deaths...both expected and unexpected.

In hospice, they are expected.

It is peaceful and calm and in most cases, at this stage, they really do "just shut their eyes and go to sleep"...

There is such a thing as a GOOD death and a BAD death....

Hospice gives people the option, when nothing can be done...of a GOOD death...

This is what hospice is all about, death with dignity.

It was a wonderful place to work..........