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I am a relatively new hospice nurse (1 year). I easily work 50-60 hrs a week and when I spoke with my CSD about feeling burned out from so many hours, she said I need to learn that hospice is not a job but a way of life. Any hospice nurses heard management say that before?
For me hospice is a way of life. I'm working part time now d/t being a full time student. When I was full time, my DON would always ask me to do extra little things...but for me it was really no big deal. My kids are grown and gone from home. When my husband was dx with prostate CA and I needed time off for doc visits, etc. my DON had no problem with me going home early or starting my day late. She would often see some of my pts. for me. I agree that we all have to set boundaries and that's not always an easy thing to do, but I think management can make or break good staff (nurses, MSW's, CNA's). I'm grateful to work for an excellent group of people and look forward to working for them as an RN after graduation.
"...but I think management can make or break good staff (nurses, MSW's, CNA's)"
Hospice Nurse LPN...so right...the management of the clinical staff is an extremely important aspect of having a successful hospice. Of course, by successful I do not necessarily mean profitable. Too many of the best not for profit hospices DEPEND upon charitable donations and fund-raisers to survive.
Thank you tewdles. Well said and something of which many of us need to be reminded. It is all too easy for hospice employers to take advantage of compassionate hospice nurses. I feel hospice employers SHOULD care for their nurses because of the difficulty of the work we do. I am currently not working and considering retirement. I have several years hospice experience and I loved what I was doing. I still miss my former hospice patients. But I know it was common practise for nurses to complete the paperwork after hours. There was a time when we were salaried employees. But then the hospice company I was working for was purchased by another. Our census started dropping and we suddenly became hourly employees with not enough patients for a 40 hour week. Eventually employees were laid off. I have had some interesting experiences since which have made me very cautious about joining another hospice. I worked for one hospice that had no company provided cell phones or Blackberries, no morning report, insufficient forms and medical supplies, and not one RN Case Manager with the company more than five months! Since that nightmare I ask a lot more questions when I interview with other hospice firms.
[! Since that nightmare I ask a lot more questions when I interview with other hospice firms.
Could you list a few good questions to ask on a interview for a Hospice Case MRG position? Ive only worked inpatient, so I did 3 12 hour shifts. I am seeing lot of talk of 50+ hours a week and it's a bit daunting. What questions will help me decide if it is a good company to work for as a new grad?
Hospicetex
26 Posts
I wanted to give you a standing ovation but it would only let me give you one kudo! I am looking for another job. I do love Hospice nursing and feel it is where I belong but at the end of the day I belong to my family and my life. Your right in each point you made. I know there are other hospice agencies that appreciate their employees.