Question for experienced hospice nurse

seasonedlpn · May 19, 2005

I know I have been "called" to be a hospice nurse (the short version of my story is under the introductions forum, so not repeating). This is my plan, but I'm wondering if any one else has any other suggestions.
I am starting sememster #2 out of 3 for the LPN program next week. I plan to join HPNA as a student nurse. During the final semester, I am going to try and volunteer with one of our local hospices. (We don't have a free standing hospice here yet, just at home care and contracts with the nursing homes.) I also would like to try and arrange to shadow some of the nurses if possible. As soon as I'm qualified, I thought I would take the HPNA certification. I wonder about going to the Feb 2006 convention in Nashville? Anybody been to one before? Would it be beneficial for me? I know for sure around here they don't hire lpns for hospice care, so as soon as I graduate practical nursing, I'm going right into the RN program. (I had to do the lpn to RN route instead of RN from the beginning because my husband is dying and I have to be able to support our little girl and myself. Can't afford to not work for more than one year) I want to be the absolute best nurse I can be, so what other things should I add to (or change about) my career path? Many thanks for any suggestions.

I've been in and out of Hospice work since 1976. When I was introduced to it as a student LPN, I knew it was my calling. Out here, in California, we use LPNs in Hospice. It has been my experience that free standing hospice facilities are few and far between, which is OK with me, the one-on-one of home hospice suits me better. I suggest shadowing a hospice nurse before taking any giant steps in that direction. Hospice is unlike any other nursing job, and you should really get a good look at it first.

I, too, had to do the LPN route to support my children, but was too old (34) to consider any further education. Looking at the RNs I work with, I'm content in my position, less paperwork, more patient care.

As for the convention, I've never been, but my guess would be that most of what you would hear would be too confusing for a beginner. I think you would get more out of it if you were working in hospice for a while. It's difficult to hear new ideas if you never knew the old ones, but I can't really advise otherwise.

Best of luck in your nursing career, my prayers are with you as you care for your husband, I know how difficult that can be.

live4today, RN · Jun 2, 2005

I have a friend who is a LPN, and she works as a Hospice Nurse in Dayton, Ohio. She loves the job! :)

Meachi42 · Jul 12, 2005

I. too feel called to Hospice nursing. I have been an LPN for 20 years. but only got the hospice calling this year. I am starting an advanced placement program to get my RN next month if my financial aid goes through. I hope to be a Patient care coordinator with the agency I am currently doing every other weekend and prn with. I am 43! have 2 teenagers and a husband, work full time with a home health agency during the week. Play guitar and sing in a bluegrass gospel band. I teach young adult singles Sunday school class and Ga's on wed night. I also raise Chihuahuas. I know I will haveto cut back when I start school, but with the Lord's help and guidence he will get me where he wants me to go. I can do NOTHING without him. I don't mean to sound preachy but that is just how I take things. We each have to do what wotks for us. God's way just happens to be my way also. :Melody:

katwoman7755 · Jul 14, 2005

I know I have been "called" to be a hospice nurse (the short version of my story is under the introductions forum, so not repeating). This is my plan, but I'm wondering if any one else has any other suggestions.
I am starting sememster #2 out of 3 for the LPN program next week. I plan to join HPNA as a student nurse. During the final semester, I am going to try and volunteer with one of our local hospices. (We don't have a free standing hospice here yet, just at home care and contracts with the nursing homes.) I also would like to try and arrange to shadow some of the nurses if possible. As soon as I'm qualified, I thought I would take the HPNA certification. I wonder about going to the Feb 2006 convention in Nashville? Anybody been to one before? Would it be beneficial for me? I know for sure around here they don't hire lpns for hospice care, so as soon as I graduate practical nursing, I'm going right into the RN program. (I had to do the lpn to RN route instead of RN from the beginning because my husband is dying and I have to be able to support our little girl and myself. Can't afford to not work for more than one year) I want to be the absolute best nurse I can be, so what other things should I add to (or change about) my career path? Many thanks for any suggestions.

Where do you live that they don't use LPN's in hospice? We used them quite often when I lived in florida, but the company I worked for primarily used them for continuous care. Also, medicare guidelines require that an RN make the patient visit at least every 2 weeks, so occ if someone was on vacation or got stuck in an emergency, the LPN's would see pt's for us. Now, re: the certification exam....I sat for the CHPN exam in March and passed, however, I had nearly 2 yrs experience at that point. You definitely should get a good bit of experience before you sit for the exam...it was more difficult than I expected. I have not ever been to any of the conferences but am a HPNA member. Also, I would suggest getting some real experience when you first get out of school...just so you can get better at your skills and feel more comfortable as a nurse....b/c hospice does not always lend itself to doing many skilled things...as usually pt's are past that....not that you don't come across some things...like PCA pain relief, paracentesis ports, etc...but those aren't necessarily everyday occurrences.....assessment is critical....and knowledge re: pain/symptom management is crucial...and you don't always get enough of it in orientation....and you definitely don't get enough of it in school. Everyday experience will help...but like I said...just some good basic nursing experience is helpful....and might should be sought first.

Other than that...your heart seems to be in the right place. I found that to be the case with most of the hospice nurses I knew...they all had a story or calling....I honestly sorta fell into it. I enjoyed it while it lasted....just moved and am back in home health...but the perspective it gave me....and the ability to treat not just the patient but the whole family at such a difficult time can be very rewarding.

Kathryn RN CHPN

nursejoey05 · Jul 14, 2005

The majority of the country has a nuring shortage, but, unfortunately for me, I live in a city that has 3 good nursing schools (2 of them BSN, mine does LPN and ASN). So, they only use LPNs for pick up visits. (if they can't find an RN)

This is why I was asking these questions. I have several years ahead of me before I can work hospice (finish my LPN, get my RN, and then work until I have good solid skills.) I was looking for opportunities now to further my hospice education and experience, so that when I CAN work hospice, I will have extra things to distinguish myself from other nurses. So I can say that hospice has always been my "dream" and even though I couldn't work in it day to day, this is what I have done when I could.

I did talk to someone from HPNA that told me to skip the conference this year--too technical for my little mind to handle this early on. :rotfl:

PS...I do my volunteer orientation next month, and I am really excited. Seems like they are equally excited (once they found out that I was really interested and not just looking to find something good to put on my resume.)

katwoman7755 · Jul 15, 2005

I know alot of nursing schools are starting to add classes that focus on palliative care...maybe even one of the schools around there. Maybe you can take this as some sort of elective. If not, I've heard of some of the distance nursing programs offering courses...you might could take one just for you own knowledge...and it should transfer to whatever school you go to...which could just be used as extra nursing credits. Also, as a HPNA member, they send you there journal...which seems to come every couple of months. There are alot of good research articles in it.

Kathryn