Going into hospice

Sure, why not. I began working in home health and hospice with just over a year of TCU experience and have remained loyal to my agency for the past seven years. Wouldn't trade my job for anything! Hint: Try to find a strong mentor figure in your agency to assist you with your transition; many areas of hospice parallel long term care and in the home they often don't. Many larger hospices have long term care teams who specialize in working in LTC facilities.

Hi all,

I have worked in Long term care since graduating, about two years, and was wondering if this is enough experience to start in Hospice?

Do you think an agency would allow me to spend some time with a nurse prior to accepting a position??

Excellent idea!!! Wouldn't hurt to ask. I would before I would accept. On the flip side of things, be prepared to consider from the agency's standpoint that sometimes it does take longer for a nurse to complete her rounds when she has an observer, then confidentiality, obtaining pt's permission to have observer in their home, etc. As an experienced home health and hospice nurse, I would feel it would be an honor to precept/mentor an individual with your level of enthusiasm! Good luck.

Do you think an agency would allow me to spend some time with a nurse prior to accepting a position??

Thats what I thought, I know with all the issues with HIPAA, it would be unlikely that I could shadow. But maybe just sit and talk with a nurse to see what their routine is.

thank you all , you've given great insight in your responses on hospice nursing. I interviewed yesterday with a company now waiting to hear. I've been a nurse ten years in ops, recovery and or. but my gut has always told me hospice. have worked med/surg for the last year and felt it was time to move. So, Hopefully I'll get this new position. I'm ready for a new challenge. Thanks again!!!

Good luck, Steth!