Critical Care RN with BSN want to move to Hospice

Specialties Hospice

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I am a critical care nurse for 20+ years and now want to transition to Hospice nursing. How do I go about this. Most of the jobs I applied to want experienced Hospice nurse or certified Hospice nurses?

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Try vitas hospice care.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Hospice/Palliative Care.

I work in an inpatient hospice unit, and many of my colleagues come from a critical care background. I think that, if you can demonstrate in your resume/application/cover letter/interview that you are passionate about hospice care, many employers would be thrilled to have your insight and skills in their organization!

Yes, there are many differences between ICU nursing and hospice, but there is nothing that cannot be learned if you have the interest. Maybe you would learn "the way things are done" in hospice best in an inpatient setting? Best of luck to you!!!

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Specializes in Hospice, NICU.

I hire nurses without hospice experience if they have "hospice heart". We appreciate critical care training and experience and many of us come from that background. Talk to local hospices with the best reputations, and look for those who will mentor and support you. The philosophy of hospice may be diametrically opposed to what you have been working under. It takes time and patience (and patients) to adjust your view. The journey is one of self reflection and assessment, often difficult but well worth it. I wish you well in your search.

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Specializes in ICU, hospice.
Try vitas hospice care.

No no no

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Specializes in ICU, hospice.
I hire nurses without hospice experience if they have "hospice heart". We appreciate critical care training and experience and many of us come from that background. Talk to local hospices with the best reputations and look for those who will mentor and support you. The philosophy of hospice may be diametrically opposed to what you have been working under. It takes time and patience (and patients) to adjust your view. The journey is one of self reflection and assessment, often difficult but well worth it. I wish you well in your search.[/quote']

Although, working in ICU can create a hospice heart

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Specializes in Hospice, NICU.

There may be a nature vs nurture discussion re hospice heart, but I know it when I encounter it. The ICU nurse is especially appreciated for the incredible skills and attention to detail. Our patients now have very high acuities, with IVs, pleurx, the multitude of tubes and complex wound care etc. They fully understand the ramifications of a Full Code at end of life.

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Specializes in ICU, hospice.
There may be a nature vs nurture discussion re hospice heart but I know it when I encounter it. The ICU nurse is especially appreciated for the incredible skills and attention to detail. Our patients now have very high acuities, with IVs, pleurx, the multitude of tubes and complex wound care etc. They fully understand the ramifications of a Full Code at end of life.[/quote']

When I would go home after a day in the ICU I felt bad about what I did to people. After a hospice day, even a death, I felt good. Fulfilled as a nurse. I love it.

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Specializes in Hospice, NICU.
When I would go home after a day in the ICU I felt bad about what I did to people. After a hospice day, even a death, I felt good. Fulfilled as a nurse. I love it.

I so agree. It's why I left the NICU. I suspect you always had that compassionate hospice heart...

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Specializes in ICU, hospice.

I so agree. It's why I left the NICU. I suspect you always had that compassionate hospice heart...

I got into nursing to do hospice. I worked in ICU to get experience with disease processes.

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