Hospice?????

Middletoast · Apr 15, 2003

When I started with Hospice, I had only worked Labor/Del/Nursery. Getting used to the different meds and going from saving life to end of life was a hard transition. It took about 6-8 months to make the adjustment. So right up front realize that it will take time and DO NOT be hard on yourself. It will take time. It sounds like you have experience with death and dealing with family. It makes no difference if the one dying is one day or 99 years, it still effects the family the same. You will find there is no "right way" to deal with death. You take the person/ people from where they are at the time. I have worked with nurses that were not made to be Hospice Nurses. That's OK. You won't know until you try. Good luck!!!!

aimeee, BSN, RN · Apr 15, 2003

I don't know what they will ask you. Each interviewer is different. When I interviewed they asked me to relate some of my experiences with dealing with dying patients and their families, how I felt, etc. They were looking more for general attitude, indications of how I dealt with people, compassionate feelings, etc.

You might find this site of help in preparation:

http://www.dyingwell.com/default.htm

Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

renerian, BSN, RN · Apr 15, 2003

I have been a hospice volunteer for over 10 years now. I agree with an earlier post they are looking for compassionate people. I am glad I don't work there full time though as I could not take being out all night anymore. Ask about the oncall structure. Many have specific on call people so your not working all day and being out all night only to work all day with no sleep. You will most definately be on a learning curve and give yourself plenty of time to get used to it. Let us know how your interview goes and good luck.

renerian

Agnus · May 25, 2003

One question I was asked was (maybe not exact wording) tell me about a time where you really got a lot of satisfaction and your patient also had satisfaction because of what you did.

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · May 25, 2003

I was a hospice nurse for four years. I was asked at my interview ways to save the company money. I said to make sure there are no linens mixed in w/ chux, so that washrags, etc, don't accidentally get thrown away. My interviewer really like that answer.

At my hospice (freestanding, inpt) we did not wear uniforms, but street clothes. I found that loose-fitting cotton dresses with large pockets and floral prints to be the best choice for me.

A great booklet, that is just invaluable for pts and families facing death is called "Gone From My Site."

This booklet was a wonderful resource for me as a hospice nurse.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · May 26, 2003

Originally posted by Hellllllo Nurse
A great booklet, that is just invaluable for pts and families facing death is called "Gone From My Site."

This booklet was a wonderful resource for me as a hospice nurse.

Same wonderful book I used 10 years ago in hospice. Also learned TONS from my patients --they were great teachers along with inservices. Especially memorable was Joy Ufema and our Hospice Social Worker, Sr. Peggy who taught about death by having us write our own obituatry and plan our funeral.

Gone From My Sight available:

http://www.bkbooks.com/