Hospice work difficult during holidays

doodlemom · Nov 30, 2005

Hi everyone,
I have worked as a Hospice Case Manager for 2 years now. I love my job and can't imagine working anywhere else, but I find this time of year very stressful. Seems like families are so full of hope for miracles and for healing of their loved ones during the holidays. I am a Christian so I understand their faith, but as a nurse I must also look at the situation clinically and offer as much emotional support as possible.
I guess what I want to know is -- Does anybody have any tips on dealing with the holiday season. Maybe I just need to take a few days off (haha). I also have had alot of deaths in the last month or so..maybe I just need a vacation.

I find that my work is terribly stressful this time of the year. I don't notice a whole lot of people hoping for healing and miracles, but what I have experienced is that the hospitals dump a bunch of patients out and our workload always gets crazy. Also, so many very sick patients that are holding on until after the holidays - so the acuity is through the roof. All of that compounded by the usual Christmas stress that everyone feels and it can become unbearable at times. I've always dealt with it just telling myself that there is an end to it all - and I usually spend a great deal of time to myself on my off hours. I'm sure that all of the deaths that you've had are compounding the stress - and yes, you probably need a well deserved vacation. Take some time to nurture yourself - get a massage, take walks - get plenty of sleep...then take some time off in January if you can!:rotfl:

leslie :-D · Dec 1, 2005

the holidays are frequently a most stressful time of year for the general population. compound that with working with the dying and dealing with their families only serves to escalate the already existing stressors. it is important not to give the families false hopes, but do continue in supporting them in any way they strive to cope. acknowledging that holidays make many of us vulnerable, i find that extra patience and compassion are needed this time of year. and yes, DO take some time off asap. unless you're a hospice nurse, no one can truly appreciate how stressful and draining our jobs really are. my thoughts are with you.

leslie

mlynn · Dec 1, 2005

Thank you guys so much. I'm feeling alot better, I guess I just had several really stressful days in a row and was feeling the effects. I just love the work I do with hospice. I always tell my nurse friends "My worst day at hospice is still the best job I've ever had!!!".

God Bless.

tencat · Dec 1, 2005

I'm not a nurse yet, but I KNOW that I can't ever do what you folks do. God bless you for the work you do.

CANRN, MSN, RN · Dec 2, 2005

This is my first Holiday season in Hospice care. I took call on Thanksgiving day and had FIVE deaths in a 12 hour period! I was so emotionally drained, I could barely work on Friday. My manager is so wonderful, she told me Friday morning to call the ones that I could call, see on the ones who really needed it and go home and pamper myself! I listened and did spend time just on me that afternoon. In this line of work, I am learning you have to take time to care for yourself. It's easy to get caught up in wanting to give 110% everyday, and you just can't.

I still can't imagine doing any other type of nursing now, the rewards sure out-weigh the hard times.

jerseyRN · Dec 4, 2005

Families try to continue the traditions of years past and fulfill holiday expectations even though someone is dying - I encourage them to not let go of "shoulds" and "musts".

My own holiday ambivalence hits me in the face this time of year. It's a tough time to do hospice work.