Does this sound like too much to handle?

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Mar 9, 2011

This really depends on the average amount of calls you might receive with the hospice position. Is it just "once in awhile" or a "sure thing" that you will get called during your assigned shifts to a location? How many hospice clients are you covering during your shift? How familiar are you with the hospice specialty and this organization's policies and protocols? How far away would you be required to drive for the typical client? Just a few considerations....

Wishing you the best with your decision :)

JStollRN · Mar 9, 2011

Thanks for the response Vicky, and you make excellent points. I would definitely be new to the policy and procedures and honestly have no idea about how many patients I'd be covering. I am fairly new to this area so I think it would be best if I put this dream on hold for a while. Don't want to overstress myself : )

FrogKissingNurse · Mar 9, 2011

consider how much stress and work load your classes are going to provide. then consider how much sleep and proper nutrition and exercise you are getting-especially if you're trying to get pregnant. i agree with vicky, you do need to find out how often you will be scheduled with hospice. if it is going to be an all the time gig, i don't think that i could handle that. or maybe you can cut down your hours at your other job to make things manageable. from my understanding, i have a friend who does home hospice care and she is scheduled on a pretty regular basis and gets new patients about every 2 weeks or less. also keep in mind the emotional toll of loosing these patients, though i'm sure you already know about that working in oncology.

good luck! i'm confident you will make the best decision for you!

OldNurseEducator · Mar 9, 2011

Hello to my wonderful fellow nurses!
So here's the dealio...I am now working Med-Surg Oncology on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, but I always wanted to try hospice. I have been given the opportunity by a recruiting agent to apply for a RN On-call position for Monday-Thursday 5 pm - 8 am. Now I am a night shift person anyway, so the hours/days are just fine to not clash with my other job, but this is the potential issue. I am also taking two classes and working on my BSN, and my husband and I are also trying for a baby.
Do you think it would be foolish to try and tackle this new job with everything else I have going on? As I am typing it, I believe it probably sounds idiotic, but I'd like all of your opinions since I REALLY wanted to get my foot in the door with a hospice organization.
Thanks everyone!

Hospice is no walk in the sun unless you know what the policies/ procedures/med protocols are. How much orientation will they be giving you? You could be setting yourself up for a difficult ride. :twocents:

JStollRN · Mar 9, 2011

Thanks everyone. I told the recruiter that now is just not the right time and thanked her for the opportunity. I realized after posting this, that it probably wasn't a good idea. My gut told me it would be too much. When I do finally get to do hospice, I want to be there 100% for my patients and not have other jobs and school to worry about.