I graduated last December and after working on a surgical floor in acute care, moved to another state and got my dream job. I have been working for two weeks with a wonderful hospice agency.
I was assigned my first patient last friday and I am scared. Part of me thinks, I can do this...I was scared when I started working as a LPN, and I got through it and made it to my RN. The rest of me is just not sure I'll ever learn what I need to do. I read the posts here and am blown away by your all's expertise and knowledge. OMG!!!!!!!!
I am so afraid that I will let my patients down and the people I work with and for down because of my inexperience. I'm trying so hard, but...
Cheryl, glad to hear you are progressing well, both in knowledge and in your comfort with this work. Your new patient sounds challenging in many ways but those are the ones that need us most. You have a great attitude. I applaud your willingness to roll up your sleeves and get in there and do your best.
OOOO!!! Don't worry, I felt intimidated at first, but remember you have it in you, It's a privilage to be in Hospice, I joined 8 months ago, and every day gets better... the key is organization and there are no big deals!!!! One step at a time, one patient at a time. big breaths. Call the smart ones with your questions. YOU CAN DO IT!!!
Just read your newer post!! I am glad to see yo are getting iT, it is awesome huh? I describe it as a symphony of care, each team member is an instrument, and when we are all aiding the dying patient and his/her loved ones, you hear the music!!!
I also am new to hospice and have been experiencing the same feelings that you have mentioned. Not only being new to hospice but new to nursing. I am finding that asking lots of questions is the key and I have received a lot of support from my fellow nurses.
I think you already have the most important thing a hospice nurse needs. You care. Your patients aren't just a means to a paycheck.
You might eventually find, that most families are just as new to this as you are. But they are seeing though fear and grief.
I would offer one bit of a suggestion. Don't let fear rule your thoughts. Use your energy in a more construction way. Whenever doubts and fear come at you, resist those thoughts, don't act as if you are ________. Instead act as if you are an experienced nurse, which you are.
Important issues to remember: pain control and comfort. I believe you already understand that. There are other people such as pastors and social workers who can come along side of you and do things you aren't qualified to do. The whole weight isn't yours to bear. Just think pain control and comfort, and you'll be ok.
Remeber you already have the best quaility of all, You care.
You've already started the process of being a good hospice nurse. Concern, compassion, and questions are your constant companions. You'll learn with every visit, every book you read, and every time you visit this website. I'm only 9 months into my first of hospice. Thats 6 months into the "comfort zone" and 3 months into "confidence". Time and experience is what gets you there. Meanwhile, you're reaching out for support. You're doing better than you think you are. Good luck.
I have experience of over 15 years working in nursing homes and in Ohio where I lived and worked in the 70-80s we nurses didn't have hospice and took care of the terminally ill as best we could. I went for an interview last week for a Hospice nurse manager position where I would travel round to different nursing homes in our area seeing the terminally ill. It sounds like the job for me, but I have a question: For those of you who have this kind of job, can you tell me what you do-what is your routine. The DON was trying to describe my duties, but I still am not sure what they are. She has offered to send me out with another nurse for a day to give me an idea. I just thought I would see what other Hospice nurses are doing.
Definitely go out with the other nurse before you make a decision - more than one if you can - everyone has a different relationship with the staff at the NH. Plus you will be interacting with the staff and can get a feel for how receptive they are to hospice.
aimeee, BSN, RN
932 Posts
Cheryl, glad to hear you are progressing well, both in knowledge and in your comfort with this work. Your new patient sounds challenging in many ways but those are the ones that need us most. You have a great attitude. I applaud your willingness to roll up your sleeves and get in there and do your best.