Specialties Hospice
Published Feb 10, 2014
NC29mom, ASN, LPN, RN
320 Posts
I'm so beyond frustrated with my employer and the lack of education. Hospice is a PHILOSOPHY OF CARE including an extensive need for knowledge regarding symptom management. Its not something someone can just know. My employer does provide education. ....education on how to use the software we use to document on. But, that's as far as it goes. Nothing further. We used to have a hospice pharmacist available, but we barely have that anymore. In fact, we are encouraged NOT to reach out to the hospice pharmacists for assistance, as the company gets charged for each consultation.
I'm a nurse who is constantly seeking education to ensure I am doing everything right, and possible, to ensure comfort at the end of life. My coworkers are not the same, sadly.
How much training on actual hospice philosophy and symptom management do you get? And, do you feel knowledgeable enough to ensure you are providing the best care?
Race Mom, ASN, RN
808 Posts
I am blessed to work at the absolute best hospice employer! We have a full-time pharmacist on staff that is only a phone call or text away! We have monthly nursing meetings were education is done. I have a bucket full of nurses to call on. I am so blessed!
TammyG
434 Posts
I have found that the HPNA has a ton of end-of-life education available on-line to members, for free.
I have found that the HPNA has a ton of end-of-life education available on-line to members for free.[/quote']Yes. I just joined and have really enjoyed the benefits. However, I don't see a whole lot of information on pain management. Wish there was more. Medicare should require hospice companies train their nurses adequately. No, we don't prescribe meds, but we work independently in the field and need to recognize signs/symptoms and how to manage. Sadly I don't even think some nurses understand the pathophysiology of the dx, much less how to approach symptom management.
Yes. I just joined and have really enjoyed the benefits. However, I don't see a whole lot of information on pain management. Wish there was more.
Medicare should require hospice companies train their nurses adequately. No, we don't prescribe meds, but we work independently in the field and need to recognize signs/symptoms and how to manage. Sadly I don't even think some nurses understand the pathophysiology of the dx, much less how to approach symptom management.
BTW, Does anyone know where to find education, seminars, resources on pain management?
caliotter3
38,333 Posts
Neither my primary nor secondary hospice employers have ever provided me with any education on hospice. When I worked hospice cases, I would look for available information online and here. It gives one something to think about to consider how many nurses go into hospice with such a lack of education.
Neither my primary nor secondary hospice employers have ever provided me with any education on hospice. When I worked hospice cases I would look for available information online and here. It gives one something to think about to consider how many nurses go into hospice with such a lack of education.[/quote']So sad....and to think our pts believe we are the "experts". Our hospice hires nurses, spends I would have to say this is my biggest complaint regarding hospice.
So sad....and to think our pts believe we are the "experts". Our hospice hires nurses, spends I would have to say this is my biggest complaint regarding hospice.
I would have to say this is my biggest complaint regarding hospice.
DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP
1,301 Posts
That is awful! I wonder if patients suffer needlessly because an agency is not willing to train and retain their employees?