Interested in Hospice Nursing...would like to hear about the actual work involved.

[LoveSpirit]

I will be 59 years old tomorrow and I am at a point in my life where I can explore what really interests me. I became a R.N. in 1966, and am presently beginning college course to obtain my Bachelors Degree. I have always implemented energy/spiritual healing into my work. I have not worked in a hospital setting for many years, but find myself drawn to look into hospice nursing. I would appreciate information pertaining to the actual work involved in this specialty. What skills are necessary. I am deciding between actual employment as a nurse or perhaps a volunteer position.

[christinadorot]

hello lovespirit, this is my first attempt to even register at a chat room, but your question interested me. I am 57 years old and have been a nurse for over 30 years, also went back to school to get my bsn and have been a hospice nurse now for 6 years. My day today included: report, one pronouncement, one visit to a newly admitted patient, a bereavement visit to a mother of a 4 year old i cared for and died 5 months ago; 2 more visits and then a meeting with the social worker on my team. We are a big hospice serving 100 patients in an area which takes 2 hours to reach the east and west borders; we have 20 nurses and 3 social workers; about 20 home care aids, a volunteer co-ordinator and a chaplan and many volunteers. I love it; you can practice with autonomy and really feel like you can make a difference in the lives of your patients and their families.

[LoveSpirit]

Christina....thank you so much for braving the pitfalls of cyberland to answer post! I contacted the hospice and found out that the training for the volunteer program does not begin until January....but is on my calendar!

Thank you again!!!