Considering Hospice

[Melinurse]

I was wondering if someone could share some of the pros/cons of hospice nursing. I was a LPN for 4 years in med-surg, I am now a new RN working LTC and agency. I just had an interveiw with a hospice agency and it sounds wonderful. I just want be sure I am making the right decision.

I started looking into hospice because my grandfather had a horrible death and was in my opinion denied the dignity and compassion that he deserved. I want to make a difference in others end of life care that my family and grandfather never got. I just want to make sure I am doing this for all the right reasons I guess. So what would some pros/cons be in the field of hospice nursing? And is it a good place to start as a new grad?

[nashvillechick]

I've worked for a non-profit hospice for 7 years and have been very underpaid, but it was an awesome way to learn from my co-workers who were in the same building. I'm getting ready to quit and have applied for a home hospice job with a for-profit agency where pay is much better. I personally can't imagine having done home care without the crisis intervention abilities that i gained while in the IPU. But the non-profit sure will use nurses up, and if they ask for raises or better benefits, they'll tell you to get another job... I am:)

[annahoffman]

I have been a RN now since 1992, my speciality was the ICu, used hospice for my husbands death, now I have reacently switched to Hospice/ Case Manager. When I say reacently I mean as little as two weeks ago, I have been in orientation now and so far it is very exciting.

I can't wait to be on my own.

Any advice?

Anna