New Grad for Hospice

Specialties Hospice

Published

Please help me out!

I'm a new grad, graduated in 2010 and has been off the field for two years. I recently took on hospice job. It's been two months; things are getting better; I learned a lots from this job, but I always have a doubt. I don't know if I should continue this job, if it's right for me since Im a new grad. I feel like I know nothing about nursing, and the knowledge from nursing school is out of the window. Am I the only one here? I feel so drained out with being called all the time even if it's my day off. Please give me your thoughts and advices. Any input would be greatly appreciated!!

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Specializes in Hospice, LTC, Rehab, Home Health.

First off, invest in a phone with caller ID if you don't already have one and don't answer for work unless YOU want to. You need your time off to re-energize yourself. Secondly, see if your job offers free CEUs via computer and take them to refresh and expand your knowledge base. Hope this helps at least a little.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Two things:

1) It will continue to get better.

2) Learn to turn off your phone to give you those days to breathe, relax and enjoy a break.

And another thing:

3) Learn to leave it on the floor...and each day is a new day in nursing...build upon it and keep working through it! :)

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Thank you so much Flarn and Ladyfree28.

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Specializes in Hospice, LTC, Behavioral Psych.

I agree with the replies. I would also recommend that any time you question something, write it down and call your supervisor, or another nurse on your team who can help. If there general hospice questions, post them here, and that can also help.

Don't give up, you are allowed to be a new nurse, you are allowed to learn your role. Just make sure you are asking questions like crazy and continue to learn what you can by any continuing ed, forums, read journals, ask your work if there is anything else they can help provide you with (practical skills reviews, symptom management classes, etc.).

It normally takes quite a while to feel like you've gained some confidence...just keep at it.

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Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.

Field hospice work is VERY challenging for new grads.

Protect yourself emotionally, Good luck!

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Specializes in ICU.

I just wanted to add that, having just completed my first year of nursing in critical care, I think that any specialty you go into is going to be incredibly difficult and stressful your first year. There is a HUGE learning curve from school to actual nursing. Sometimes I wonder how nursing school prepared me at all for actual nursing on the floor.

Good luck. Know that you are continuing to learn and grow by the day, and that it will eventually get better.

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Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.
I just wanted to add that, having just completed my first year of nursing in critical care, I think that any specialty you go into is going to be incredibly difficult and stressful your first year. There is a HUGE learning curve from school to actual nursing. Sometimes I wonder how nursing school prepared me at all for actual nursing on the floor.

Good luck. Know that you are continuing to learn and grow by the day, and that it will eventually get better.

At least in the ICU you have other nurses around to collaborate with when your patient is having trouble.

In hospice it is just little ol' you and the anxious family all alone in the family home. In those crisis moments nursing school is a dim memory for the new grad...

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