would appreciate advice

I work in Oncology myself. It is a very rewarding job. I would try your local hospital's Outpt chemo dept(or volunteer dept) to start with to see if they need any volunteers to sit and talk with the pts. This is a great way to see if you would like spending time with these special people or not. From there, I would ask the manager about talking with Hospice. Good luck on your venture

I am just curious.. Is Irish Pooh green, and does it happen when you drink the green beer on st. Patys day?

Swtooth

Thank you two for responding so quickly :)! I am also in the process of reading through Symptom Control In Hospice and Palliative Care by Peter Kaye. That's funny about the "green beer". My dad used to drink that on St. Patty's Day and we kids had green food coloring in our milk.

Most 'good" hospice nurses I know are on the mature side of life. I don't think you have to have been a nurse a long time but having life experience helps. Admittedly, hospice is about symptom control to allow calmness and comfort but it is also about helping those who are left behind to go on with life. Having an experienced hospice nurse to mentor you will help. Interestingly, many hospice nurses go into this having had an experience with a family member or friend. Treat your pts and families just like you would want to be treated and you will be fine. O and have fun!

Thank you so much "beExcellent" for your encouraging words! I struggle with doubts due to my age and time away from nursing but I think of how amazing it was for my father to have his hospice nurse feed him some coffee ice-cream (his favorite) just before he passed because she believed "they go better with a little something on their stomach". I always thought I'd like to repay that kindness by being there for others during their greatest time of need. I know I will do my best to treat any patient like they were my father, mother, brother, etc. The "golden rule" is a defining factor in my life, too. :)

I think you will have alot to offer as a hospice nurse. I know many nurses that took alot of time off. They all did great upon returing to the work force. Kind of like riding a bike after putting in down for ten years. Go for it, your experiences and desire to help other people will make you a great hospice nurse.

Thank you, Energizer! I was so afraid in posting my situation that I'd hear "are you crazy?" responses. I cannot express how much it means to me to receive the words of encouragement to "press on", and that I shall :). Been praying the Lord would close the doors if this isn't the direction I should be going in at this point in life but so far all the doors have been opening and I have a peace about it. "How delightful is a timely word." Proverbs 15:23 Thanks again!!!