Hospice nursing...reality check....

[gorgenurse]

Hello,

I am needing some insight from experienced hospice nurses. I have been an RN for 8 years (mostly hospital) and have been home with my kids for the past year. There is an open position at a local home hospice care organization for a part time nurse. I have been told by the HR person there that it is a very flexible position and that several of their nurses are able to organize their days around their kids schedules, see patients in the mornings while kids are at school, and chart at night after kids go to bed etc. From reading the above day in the life post this does not sound so realistic. I do not want to get in over my head. Can anyone give me some insight?

Thank you!

[ErinS, BSN, RN]

Ideally this could work out, if you have someone to cover your patient's emergencies and your agency is well staffed. So when I have only 12 patients I am managing and none are actively dying, I can easily get my visits done between 9am and 2 pm, but this is a RARE occasion. I would maybe ask more specific questions about coverage, staffing, and expected pt load. Also, do they have a dedicated admit nurse? That makes a difference. You could also see about coming on for a 'trial run'. Sometimes my agency does this, and if a person does not fit into hospice, they can easily switch to home health, which seems more flexible and less stressful emotionally.

[tewdles, RN]

Your flexibility will depend upon the agency you work for and how well the existing staff work together to care for their patients and each other...IMHO

[trudlebug]

Is this a RN/case management position, or possibly a "float nurse" type of position?

We have both, and as far as case management, well the schedule is not usually quite that flexible. But we have a few full time "team nurses" that do not carry a caseload, and some part time/contingent "float" nurses. They assist with coverage when case managers are not available, such as vacation or for education. It's really nice when they are available for extra visits during the week, like when one case becomes very demanding, they can see the "routine" patients as well, just to help out.

I would find out more details, because not all hospice nurses are case managers. Also, FYI, my company would frown on waiting until the evening to chart, because we are expected to have our charting done and computers synchronized so the evening/night staff will know if any changes were made during the day. Make sure the HR person is giving you all the details. Also, find out what kind of orientation you will get. Big difference between hospital and home nursing. (been doing it about a year, and still feel very wet behind the ears, but loving it - most of the patients and their families appreciate the hospice nurse, and often say thank you. I found very little of that in hospital nursing.)

[gorgenurse]

Thank you all for your input. There are two positions available, one for per diem/fill in and one for a part time position.

I have an interview this week, so I will be able to ask more questions then. I appreciate all of your thoughts and experiences.