Excited...and a little (okay a lot) nervous

[Halinja, BSN, RN]

I just accepted a job as a case manager in Hospice. I've worked L&D and PACU, more of the latter than the former, and have two years experience.

Hospice is something I was excited about in school, then I kind of got caught up in the 'work in a hospital' mentality. I'm glad I did, my nursing skills are much stronger now than when I first came out. But...it's new, it's outside of my normal experiences as a nurse.

I'm an older newish nurse, and have experience with death, including seeing family able to die in the home with the help of hospice nursing. I love the concept. I'm just a little...scared, I guess. What if this is more than I can handle? Kind of funny to think of PACU as a 'safe' place, what with the major things that can and do go wrong, but it's familiar.

Dunno why I'm posting really. Just "Hello hospice world" and "yikes what have I done???"

[leslie :-D]

halinja, i'm sure you will do well.

the reasons nurses leave hospice are usually r/t unrealistic case loads or the stress r/t working w/dying and death.

yet many stay in hospice, r/t the overwhelming personal fulfillment it brings to one's personal and professional life.

i have a feeling that the latter will be applicable to you.

just make sure you ask plenty of questions, and do not go on your own until you feel qualified to do so.

of course you'll be nervous when going on your own, but you will also recognize when you are 'ready'.

congratulations, and wishing you the very best.

leslie

[peeweedelivery]

Hi friend!!! This is your friend from L&D out with the screwed up shoulder! How the heck have you been? Congratulations on the new job~~!! I am excited for you. I have done hospice before nursing school, and since I can't do L&D right now, I am currently volunteering time with a friend 3X/week who is a hospice patient. I really like it and I consider it a privledge to be with someone who is transitioning this part of their life. As sacred as I considered it to be with a life as they entered the world, I feel it equally sacred to be with someone as they leave it. You will do great! You are so good with people and have such a calming influence, and you are organized and your life experience counts for so much. We should get together!!

Love Michelle