Hospice - PCT Position

[MiaKeaRN]

Hi Everyone,

My long-term goal is to become a hospice nurse, although as a student I know that goal is a long way off. I have heard from several nurses that I should probably go into a hospital setting for at least a year or two prior to applying to hospice. For the time being, while I am in nursing school, I have been offered a position as a PCT at a local hospice. I am so excited to have this opportunity and want to make the most of my time there. Both of my parents were cared for by hospice, and the outstanding & compassionate care that they received is what has made me want to pursue this specialty.

I can't wait to get started.....hopefully orientation will be scheduled soon! Any words of wisdom for being on an inpatient hospice unit will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Ms Kylee]

I work Home Health hospice casual and Med Surg/Oncology at the hospital. We have at least one hospice patient a week. PCT's at the hospital do basic care duties to the hospice patients-- Keeping them clean and dry, turning and repositioning, emptying the Foley if there is one. The nurses make sure the patient is pain free. When I'm in with a hospice patient giving them a bath, I will talk to them and let them know what I am doing. I also turn on their radio so they have music to keep them company when I'm not in the room.