Hospice nursing as an LVN?

nursepammiej · Apr 4, 2009

Hi Mia, I will try to answer for you, I work in a Crisis Care department of my hospice. I think it depends a little on what department you work for. My role in Crisis care is that I go into the patients house for 12 hour shifts at nights. During that time I am there for the patient and the family. I do all patient care, from baths to administering medications. I think a good majority of my time is being there not only for the patient, but also for the family. A lot of time is spent on education: medications, safety, end of life care and symptoms, etc. Also a great deal of emotional support for both the patient and family. It is all about comfort. I have found that this is the most rewarding job that I have ever had. The patients and family are so grateful for your help and truly want and need you there. This is a stressful time for everyone, and just to have someone there who can ease them through the process is such a relief to them. As LPN's we deal with personal care, comfort, medication administration, education, end of life care, symptom management, death, post-mortem care, support, medication distruction...actually the list is pretty endless, or at least it seems so, at times! The most wonderful thing to me is that I feel so priveliged to be accepted into a family's home and life at this most crucial time. At all times, we have the backup of our Triage department, which can assist us by phone, or by having an RN come out to the home, to help with any medication changes, advice, etc. or just lending an ear when needed. Our hospice houses also employ LPN's, and though I rarely go to one, the work is about the same. As LPN's we go through extensive training on all aspects of hospice, and are signed off on literally pages of care. I personally have worked in ER, Med-surg, nursing homes, dialysis, home health, and this by far, is the best job I have ever had and cannot foresee ever doing anything else. It can be a stressful job at times, as any can be, but our team is made up of very wonderful and supportive teammembers who are truly "there" for us. When it gets too much, we have grief counselors to help us, pastoral services who can advise us, and monthly meetings where we can share problems or concerns. It is the first job that I can ever remember, (and believe me, I have had many!) where I feel I make a difference, and there is no petty BS, we work together, as a team, the RN's respect us and appreciate all we do, as it makes their job easier. I have gained so much knowledge on disease processes, end of life, and I just keep growing with knowledge that is out there on all aspects of human life and death. Many ask how I can do this, isn't it stressful? Yes it is, but also the feeling that you get, when you know that you have helped someone ease into the next chapter of their life with grace, comfort and security, is the most beautiful thing in the world. I wouldn't have it any other way. Sorry for the long-windedness....but, I love this career, I have truly found my home!

texastaz · Apr 4, 2009

Home Hospice LVNs are typicaly night shift because more deaths occur at night, it is for insurance purposes. I am a CNA and I agree - the RNs are great, communication is excellent - everyone on the entire team is great. Most famalies are wonderful, however there are thoose who forget what the moment is all about - and sometimes they get into terrible fueds, but it all works out. Help is always just a phone call away if and when needed. Other than having a passion for hospice - one of the things I like the most is everyone in the team can be counted on, they are all well trained, sincere, and supplies are not a problem.

~MIA~, ASN, RN · Apr 4, 2009

Thank you both for taking the time to explain what you do! I really do appreciate it. Sounds like a wonderful job.